Lent Meditations: Preface and Information

The Bellarmine Forum is pleased to present Daily Lent Meditations for you.

This is from Fr. Richard Clarke S.J.'s Daily Catholic.

PREFACE.

There is no subject of meditation more pleasing to God and more profitable to the soul than the Passion of Jesus Christ. It contains in itself all sweetness. It is the remedy for every evil; the food that nourishes the soul. It is continued still in the Blessed Eucharist, and every Mass is a representation and renewal of the Sacred Passion. It is a subject always in season, but especially during the holy time of Lent.

These Meditations deal with some of the main incidents of Our Lord’s Sacred Passion. They are intended to be begun on Ash Wednesday, and to end on Holy Saturday. A few verses of Scripture are suggested to be read before each meditation, as furnishing the subject-matter of which it treats.

How to Meditate on the Passion.

St. Bonaventure tells us that if we desire to meditate with fruit on the Passion of Jesus Christ, three conditions are necessary. Our meditation must be:

1. Humble; for the Passion is unlike anything else in the world, it is unfathomable to human reason — a bottomless ocean of mystery. Reason must bow its head and confess its inability to grasp the mysteries that even Faith sees only darkly and through a glass. The story of Christ's humiliation is to the proud a sealed book; they see nothing attractive in it. Christ suffering has no beauty that they should admire Him. I must therefore begin by praying for humility.

2. Full of confidence; since the Passion is the source of all our confidence, it is the proof of the exceeding love wherewith Christ loved us. How can I fear with the sight before me of Christ suffering for love of me?

It is, too, a medicine for every possible evil, for every temptation, for every sin; whatever the malady of my soul, the Passion of Christ can cure it. At the foot of the cross each mortal wound will be made whole.

3. Persevering: the beauty of the Passion does not appear all at once. The world considers it a degradation, the careless and the indifferent pass it by unmoved; even the faithful Christian scarcely penetrates beneath the surface of that Divine Mystery, unless he prays earnestly and continually to appreciate it. Only gradually and by degrees are we drawn by the sacred attractiveness of the cross.

Before I begin my meditations I must ask God for this spirit of humility, confidence, persistency.

Table of Contents

A detailed painting depicting a biblical scene with Jesus carrying the cross, surrounded by soldiers and onlookers. The colors are earthy tones of browns, greens, and muted reds. Jesus is central in white robes, ascending a rocky hill with a large wooden cross. The scene captures the crucifixion procession in a historical and religious context, emphasizing Catholic themes of sacrifice.

Lent Meditations: Preface and Information

Daily Meditations for lent from The Devout Year by Richard Clarke SJ (1889). Short meditations combined with scripture allow you to deepen your lent and spiritual life and feed your contemplative life. Every meditation is listed on this page.

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Lent Meditation Day 1. A painting of Jesus praying under a tree with three sleeping disciples in the background, set at night. The scene is illuminated by moonlight and features muted earth tones with white robes. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 1"."

Lent Day 1: Ash Wednesday— The Anticipation of the Passion.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 2: Jesus in a temple, surrounded by people. Dark tones with muted colors. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 2"."

Lent Day 2: First Thursday in Lent — The Preliminaries of the Passion.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 3: Jesus surrounded by people in a room, wearing white robes. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 3". The scene depicts a biblical setting with warm, earthy tones."

Lent Day 3: First Friday in Lent — The Supper in Simon’s House.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 4: A group of robed figures in a dimly lit room, likely monks or religious figures, gathered around an altar. The scene is somber and reflective with muted colors, emphasizing a Catholic Lenten theme.

Lent Day 4: First Saturday in Lent— The Eating of the Paschal Lamb.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 5. A group of robed figures in a dimly lit room, holding candles and appearing to be in prayer or discussion. The scene is somber with warm tones of browns, golds, and whites. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 5"."

Lent Day 5: The First Sunday in Lent— Jesus’s Desire for His Sufferings.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 6: A biblical scene with Jesus and disciples in a rustic setting. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 6". The scene is depicted in warm earth tones with figures dressed in traditional robes."

Lent Day 6: Monday after the First Sunday in Lent — The Washing of the Feet.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 7. A religious scene with figures in white robes gathered around a table, some kneeling in prayer. The setting appears to be an ornate room with dark, rich colors and intricate details. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 7"."

Lent Day 7: Tuesday after the First Sunday in Lent — The Institution of the Blessed Eucharist

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 8. A group of robed figures in white and yellow gather around a central figure, depicting a solemn scene. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 8"."

Lent Day 8: Wednesday after the First Sunday in Lent — The Farewell Discourse of Jesus.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 9. A group of robed figures, likely biblical, walking along a rugged path with rocky terrain and a body in the foreground. The scene is depicted in muted earth tones, emphasizing solemnity and reflection.

Lent Day 9: Thursday after the First Sunday in Lent — On the Road to Gethsemani.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 10. Jesus in prayer, surrounded by sleeping disciples on a rocky hillside at night. Dark tones with muted colors. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 10"."

Lent Day 10: Friday after the First Sunday in Lent — The Sacred Agony in the Garden.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 11. A serene figure in a white robe stands over three sleeping figures, set in a natural landscape with muted earth tones. The text "Lent Meditation Day 11" is prominently displayed in the center."

Lent Day 11: Saturday after the First Sunday in Lent— The Aggravation of the Sacred Agony.

Daily Lent Meditations from the Bellarmine Forum. If it is difficult to suffer, it is far more difficult to suffer willingly for those who show no gratitude in return for what we endure for them.

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Lent Meditation Day 12: A dramatic scene of Jesus being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. Surrounded by soldiers and disciples, with muted earthy tones and dark lighting. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 12"."

Lent Day 12: The Second Sunday in Lent— The Help for the Saints in the Sacred Agony.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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A painting of Jesus in a white robe with his hand over his heart, labeled "Lent Meditation Day 13." The background is dark and somber."

Lent Day 13: Monday after the Second Sunday in Lent — The Consolations of the Sacred Agony.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 14. A dramatic painting depicting a large crowd of robed figures, many with beards and head coverings. The scene is dark and intense, with a central figure being led away. The colors are predominantly earth tones of browns and grays, with some highlights indicating torches or fire. The scene appears to be from the Passion of Christ, likely depicting Jesus' arrest or trial.

Lent Day 14: Tuesday after the Second Sunday in Lent — The Sequel of the Sacred Agony.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 15. Biblical scene with Jesus and followers in earthy tones, walking on a rocky path. Text overlay reads "Lent Meditation Day 15."

Lent Day 15: Wednesday after the Second Sunday in Lent — The Betrayal of Jesus.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 16: A historical painting depicting Jesus being mocked and surrounded by Roman soldiers. The scene is in muted earth tones with a focus on the central figure of Jesus, who is dressed in a yellow robe. The text "Lent Meditation Day 16" is overlaid on the image."

Lent Day 16: Thursday after the Second Sunday in Lent— The Apprehension of Jesus.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 17. A historical painting depicting Jesus being stripped of his clothes by Roman soldiers, with a crowd observing. The scene is set indoors with muted earth tones and dramatic lighting. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 17"."

Lent Day 17: Friday after the Second Sunday in Lent— Jesus Led Away Captive.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 18. A historical painting depicting a crowd of people in ancient attire, with some gesturing and appearing agitated. The scene is set indoors with stone architecture. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 18"."

Lent Day 18: Saturday after the Second Sunday in Lent— In the House of Annas.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 19. A detailed painting of a crowded scene with people in historical attire, likely depicting a biblical event. The colors are rich and earthy, featuring deep browns, greens, and gold accents. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 19"."

Lent Day 19: The Third Sunday in Lent — In the Palace of Caiphas.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 20. A biblical scene depicting Jesus before Pontius Pilate and a crowd, with text "Lent Meditation Day 20". The scene is in muted tones of browns, grays, and earthy colors. Jesus stands bound in the center with various figures surrounding him, including Pilate seated on a throne."

Lent Day 20: Monday after the Third Sunday in Lent — The Condemnation of Christ.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 21. A historical painting depicting a group of people in traditional robes, gathered indoors with somber expressions. The scene is dimly lit and features muted earth tones. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 21"."

Lent Day 21: Tuesday after the Third Sunday in Lent — St. Peter’s Denial of Jesus.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 22. A somber painting of a group of people in dark clothing, with one person covering their face in grief. The scene is set indoors with stone walls and an arched doorway, evoking themes of penance and reflection during Lent.

Lent Day 22: Wednesday after the Third Sunday in Lent— St. Peter’s Repentance.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 23. A chaotic scene of Jesus being mocked and beaten by a crowd, with dark tones and dramatic expressions. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 23"."

Lent Day 23: Thursday after the Third Sunday in Lent— Jesus in the Guard-room of Caiphas.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 24: A man in white and red robes kneels, washing the feet of another person dressed in brown. The scene is set indoors with a barred window and stone floor, evoking themes of humility and service in Catholic tradition.

Lent Day 24: Friday after the Third Sunday in Lent — Jesus is Dragged Before Pilate.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 25. Biblical scene with figures in robes, one kneeling, set in a temple-like structure. Textured walls and muted colors dominate the scene.

Lent Day 25: Saturday after the Third Sunday in Lent — Judas’s Repentance.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 26. A man in a white robe with orange trim kneels, washing another's feet. The other stands in a red cloak and brown tunic. Richly decorated room with gold accents, reflecting a biblical scene of humility and service.

Lent Day 26: The Fourth Sunday in Lent— Jesus Before Pilate.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 27. Biblical scene of Jesus being presented to the crowd by Pontius Pilate, with soldiers and onlookers. Rich colors, detailed historical attire. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 27"."

Lent Day 27: Monday after the Fourth Sunday in Lent — Jesus Before Herod.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 28. A detailed painting of a chaotic scene with people in historical clothing, likely depicting the Passion of Christ. The colors are muted and earthy, with figures in various poses of distress or action within an ornate architectural setting.

Lent Day 28: Tuesday after the Fourth Sunday in Lent — Barabbas or Jesus?

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 29. A painting depicting Jesus being scourged, with Roman soldiers and a crowd in an ancient setting. The scene is dominated by earthy tones of brown, red, and beige. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 29"."

Lent Day 29: Wednesday after the Fourth Sunday in Lent — The Scourging.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 30. A historical painting depicting Jesus carrying the cross, surrounded by Roman soldiers and a crowd during His Passion. The scene is set in an ancient stone structure with arches, featuring earthy tones and dramatic expressions.

Lent Day 30: Thursday after the Fourth Sunday in Lent — The Crowning with Thorns.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 3. Depiction of Jesus carrying the cross, surrounded by Roman soldiers in red tunics and a crowd. Set against an ancient stone architecture backdrop.  The text "Lent Meditation Day 3" is displayed prominently at the top."

Lent Day 31: Friday after the Fourth Sunday in Lent— Ecce Homo.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 32: A historical scene depicting Roman soldiers and a crowd, with text "Lent Meditation Day 32" in white. The scene includes a man in a white robe and soldiers in armor, set against an ancient architectural backdrop. The colors are muted with earthy tones and some vibrant reds and golds in the background architecture."

Lent Day 32: Saturday after the Fourth Sunday in Lent— The Condemnation to Death.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 33: Jesus carrying a large wooden cross, surrounded by Roman soldiers and onlookers in ancient attire. The scene depicts Jesus' journey to crucifixion, with a crowd observing from the background. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 33"."

Lent Day 33: The Fifth Sunday in Lent — Jesus Sets Out on the Way to Calvary.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 34: A crowd of people in ancient attire, with Jesus carrying a large wooden cross. The scene depicts the journey to Calvary, emphasizing the Catholic theme of Jesus' crucifixion. The colors are earthy tones with muted browns and beiges, reflecting the historical setting.

Lent Day 34: Monday after the Fifth Sunday in Lent — Via Dolorosa.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 35: Jesus carrying the cross, surrounded by a crowd during His Passion. The scene is depicted in muted tones with historical clothing and cobblestone streets. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 35"."

Lent Day 35: Tuesday after the Fifth Sunday in Lent — Jesus Meets His Holy Mother.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 36: A crowd, including Roman soldiers and onlookers, forces a man to carry a large wooden cross through a stone-paved street. The scene depicts Jesus' journey to crucifixion, with vivid colors and historical attire.

Lent Day 36: Wednesday after the Fifth Sunday in Lent — Simon of Cyrene.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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A historical scene of Jesus carrying a cross during Lent, surrounded by Roman soldiers and onlookers. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 37." The colors are earthy tones with a dark sky."

Lent Day 37: Thursday after the Fifth Sunday in Lent — Jesus is Nailed to the Cross.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 38. A biblical scene with a crowd of people in earthy tones, some on horses and camels. Central figures include women and men dressed in traditional robes. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 38"."

Lent Day 38: Friday after the Fifth Sunday in Lent— The Deriding of Jesus.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 39. Depiction of Jesus' crucifixion with two others on crosses, surrounded by a crowd. Dark tones dominate the scene, emphasizing solemnity and Catholic themes of sacrifice and redemption.

Lent Day 39: Saturday after the Fifth Sunday in Lent — The Good Thief.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 40. Jesus carrying the cross, surrounded by Roman soldiers and mourners in a historical scene with muted colors. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 40"."

Lent Day 40: The Sixth Sunday in Lent — Jesus Commends His Disciples to His Holy Mother’s Care.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 4: A dark, somber painting depicting crucifixions on a hillside. Several figures mourn and observe the scene, with crosses prominently featured against a stormy sky. The text "Lent Meditation Day 4" is overlaid on the image."

Lent Day 41: Monday in Holy Week — The Dereliction of Jesus on the Cross.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 42. Depiction of Jesus' crucifixion with two other figures on crosses, set against a dark background. Figures are bound with ropes and nails. Below, mourners in traditional robes.

Lent Day 42: Tuesday in Holy Week— The Thirst upon the Cross.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 43: Depiction of Jesus' crucifixion with two others, surrounded by mourners. Dark tones, dramatic sky, and religious figures in traditional attire. Text reads "Lent Meditation Day 43"."

Lent Day 43: Wednesday in Holy Week — The Death of Jesus.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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Lent Meditation Day 44. Depiction of Jesus' crucifixion with Roman soldiers, dark tones, and dramatic lighting. Text "Lent Meditation Day 44" at the top."

Lent Day 44: Maundy Thursday— Jesus’ Mystical Death in the Blessed Eucharist.

Daily meditations for lent by Fr. Richard Clarke SJ. Scripture and reflections – audio included, listen, read, and grow this lent!

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