March 18, 2026 // Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent // Optional Memorial of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Isaiah 49:8-15 

Reflect on the Word // 

The shivers ran up and down my spine. My jaw clenched. Every muscle in my body tensed. I froze. Even with my eyes squeezed shut I knew the distinct sound of the plate sliding off the ledge, hitting the tile floor, and the scattering of glass shards skipping about the sanctuary. This wasn’t the first time my haste and efficiency ended this way.

I’ve been called “Sister Save-a-Trip,” carrying as much as possible to achieve efficiency. Often making life harder for myself in the process—and sometimes leaving shattered pieces in my stubborn wake.

The Lord, though, doesn’t want that for me. He wants me to rely on Him, to receive all He desires to give. He longs to provide pastures when I encounter barren heights, springs of water when I trudge through deserts, easy paths while I scale steep heights (see Isaiah 49:9-11). Seeking my own path, how often do I echo the words of Daughter Zion, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me” (Isaiah 49:14).

As I look back on my Lent, so far, I have to ask myself: Am I trying to make my own way through this desert? Have I asked the Lord to guide me? Have I heeded His voice to come out of darkness into light, out of the prison of my stubbornness into His freedom? (see Isaiah 49:9)

If we’ve been living Lent on our own terms, it’s not too late to make a change. If we’ve forgotten the Lord (see Isaiah 49:15), He hasn’t forgotten us. If we’ve been carrying the burdens of life on our own, leaving the shards of our anger, frustration, impatience, and pride scattered across the sanctuaries of our lives, it’s not too late. “The Lord comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted” (Isaiah 49:13), even if it’s our fault.

We’re not alone, our Lord does not forget us or leave us forsaken (see Isaiah 49:15). Turn to Him. He answers, He helps, He restores (see Isaiah 49:8).

Relate to the Lord // Look back on your Lent with Sister’s questions. Ask yourself: Am I trying to make my own way through this desert? Have I asked the Lord to guide me? Have I heeded His voice to come out of darkness into light, out of the prison of my stubbornness into His freedom?