February is observed in many ways: as Black History Month, Catholic Press Month, even National Bird Feeding Month. A heightened appreciation of black contributions to our national story is an important corrective, including noteworthy Catholics like Pierre Toussaint, Daniel Rudd, Father Augustus Tolton, Julia Greeley, Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange, Mother Henriette DeLille, and Sister Thea Bowman.

Sacrificial love is the theme of today's readings. Explore the ways love and sacrifice have informed your own life.

Children have it easy when it comes to obeying authority. They know the drill: Adults are in charge, do what they tell you. When adults collide, what Mom and Dad say trumps the older sibling, the neighbor, the teacher, and the stranger.

During my early years in Catholic publishing, an art director once laughed at an editor’s artwork suggestion, saying: “Listen, you can’t illustrate what isn’t there!” It’s like that old joke: Whoever’s not here, raise your hand!

Have you seen the T-shirt that says, “God’s not finished with me yet”? Maybe that’s the souvenir Jesus should have bought the disciples after they went up the mountain with him and saw him revealed in all his glory.

Brothers and sisters, as we enter more deeply into the season of Lent, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

Love is not a feeling of happiness. Love is a willingness to sacrifice.

Browse our library for additional Second Sunday of Lent, Cycle B material.

Click here to view the Take Five weekly for February 25, 2024.