For so long I thought that sacrifices were fasting, giving up things and doing things to show I am sorry for my sins. These are good but more importantly is to change in ourselves within our heart . To know God more deeply and we will as to are now n a journey towards God as we see God’s love for us more clearly.
Great message and i always rewind my days to see how I sinned and ask for forgiveness and now I shall do penance besides saying im sorry. Thank you Mr Downs.
Put into practice by going out of your way,being patient, through foul toward people even the ones you don’t like much. I think that’s what Jesus would do it
it made me think about how much i pray which is not enough, im so glad i downloaded this its done help me alot, thank you very much and maybe God bless you
As a convert to the church 33 years ago I feel I still have so much more to learn. I am experiencing some tough times right now and I chose this as my Lenten journey. I look forward to starting my day out listening to the daily messages. Thank you
I pray for change in my heart and actions when it comes to my approach to others and also to stop judging and to see the good in others. I am looking forward to a good relationship with and a big change in me. My faith to grow
This message today, had me realize how my approach to Lent, was totally off base. I thought more about my outward gestures were of importance. This Lent, I realize my deeper need to pray, and really listen to God, and the Holy Spirit, to make my conversion and transformation real, and my heart strong in the love of God. Thank you for sharing this journey! You are the best.
I think we do need to change to make better choices, kindness, peace, and yes pray for forgiveness.
Christina
1 year ago
Good morning, Thank you for getting your message to me early in the day. I listened to todays message twice, to remind myself the importance of Penance!! I hear you Bruce as an 80 year old we forget how life changes us and not always for the better. Today once again I need to start again and I need more compassion and understanding towards my husband. Love is not always easy and over years we hurt each other, I’m not perfect! From today I will try again with the help of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your… Read more »
Christina, your comment made me really stop and think about myself and my relation to my husband. Love as we get older is not easy and your words made me think of changes I need to make in my life. Thank-you and blessings to you this day
👍The more you see your need Him the better your relationship with Him is! Other may fail us but He never will! Never to leave or forsake us! Total reliance of Him who give us New life!
Thank you very much for the daily scriptures and prayer I feel I am in a reinvention journey and I am truly blessed!!!
Catherine Phillips
1 year ago
Thank you for the daily inspirations and prayers
deanna Francke
1 year ago
1.God wants us to change & become more like Him. 2.We must consider making the changes in order to be more like Him. 3.I have to make the effort to bring about the changes in my life & strive to be a better person on a daily basis. May God bless you & all your work Bruce, Rosemary & team.
Joyce
1 year ago
These are such wonderful reflections it helps me to reflect on my daily walk of faith
Kathy Lowry
1 year ago
Thank you Bruce
Ursel Mihelcic
1 year ago
Thanks
Jill Mitchell
1 year ago
From inside out…. interior conversion…… I like that…. we say sorry, and are just empty words, therefore not acceptable..
Stephanie
1 year ago
Thank you for the message today on penance. I didn’t know what penance meant. But it reminds me about the passage in James that talks about salvation by grace not works. In my written out prayer this morning I asked God to show me my next step, and how to express my continual inner conversion of my heart in ways that will help bring others closer to him and not to make them stumble. As I tried to quiet my heart and my mind to listen to what God had to stay, I caught myself thinking about my to- do-list… Read more »
Kathy
1 year ago
This has given me a better understanding as how to get closer to God! Thank you Jesus for all that you gave up for us amen!
Madeline
1 year ago
I love the Lenten Journey with you Bruce , very informative
Meg
1 year ago
I alway equated penence with punishment. I can see now that penence is taking action, making changes to work towards the transformation of our heart to draw closer To God and to our true self. Our true self, who God wants us to be is obtained by that transformation internally as opposed to externally. Giving things up for lent is is not to punish or deny but to transform, to be present with God. This shift in thinking is enlightening. We love a God who loves us back, not one who is set out to punish us.
I too have always thought of penance as punishment. Some of that comes from my own misunderstanding I’m sure, but part of it comes from the way it was taught to me at a young age. I remember at that time how my priest’s approach was always about hell and damnation and punishment for any shortcomings really. As a child, that was terrifying and just caused me to fear God. I am so grateful that my perspective has shifted from that of fear to one of love, faith, trust, and a desire to honor Him for the right reasons that… Read more »
Last edited 1 year ago by Amanda Roy
Susan Breiding
1 year ago
Penance in its true form opened my eyes. Another conversion from what i have “believed” since childhood and learning that its a pathway to my closer relationship with God.
Daryl Fenski
1 year ago
This is a second year of joining with you at Lent, I’m a life long Catholic and have always enjoyed this time of year because it makes you think about life, the people around you and myself. Thank you for what you do bring pause to think about the good things we have to be thankful for, and ability to work through the not so good times.
Pat Bertasso
1 year ago
Prayers have helped me get through the loss of my soul mate
Proof He is close to the broken hearted! Be blessed..Your soul mate is in your future.. eternity is a forever thing! We grieve but not as those who have no hope 🕊Thanks be to God!!!!
Gus Kieley
1 year ago
For so long I thought that sacrifices were fasting, giving up things and doing things to show I am sorry for my sins. These are good but more importantly is to change in ourselves within our heart . To know God more deeply and we will as to are now n a journey towards God as we see God’s love for us more clearly.
Nancy Olson
1 year ago
Just beautiful…allow yourself to be a true expression of gods love by your outwardly expressions of love to those around you!
Corina Iacobellis
1 year ago
Godbless you Bruce Yes conversion 🙏Actions speaks louder than words 🙏🙏Amen Please pray for my family Really enjoyed that 🙏🙏
I’m wanting to get to know God better and to have a better relationship with God May he grant me my grace I have been praying for in this difficult time I’m experiencing God bless Thank you with all my heart to Bruce and all ministries 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️
ME Bicknell
1 year ago
Making ourselves better every single day in every single situation is conversion of the heart and it shows in our actions. I gladly join in prayer for all of us, especially for those in most need of this.
Mary
1 year ago
Thanks Bruce for helping me with the true focus of lent, to reach into the conversion of the heart. Have a Blessed day!
Sandie
1 year ago
Perfect for today!👍. Let your light shine and bring others to know Him through your loving kindness! Jesus, what can I do for you today to show my gratitude???
I feel for me, praying for the conversion of Russian troops the safe return back to their families, also for all of us to use this lent to establish our relationship with each other and most of all GOD our Father.
Pat Edgar
1 year ago
I look to the catechism as a rule book for my life.
Debra Hesseling
1 year ago
I feel blessed to have found out about this wonderful Christian ministry! Especially just in time for Lent!
June
1 year ago
Thank you Bruce! You really are easy to listen to and you explain everything beautifully!! I am touched every time I listen to you!!
Zita
1 year ago
Thank you for today’s message
Darlene
1 year ago
My day is never complete without you reminding me that “GOD is never far from me” thank you fothose most special words. From Illinois
Karen
1 year ago
Thank you for your ministry. You are truly an inspiration!
Sylvia
1 year ago
Love this
Patricia Smith
1 year ago
I was able to save my baby niece years ago. She was very sick and doctors could not find out what was wrong. I prayed for her all night. She was only one year old. Five o’clock the Friday morning God answered my prayers. He said ask the doctors to check for tick fever!and it was! That afternoon she was so much better that she could walk holding her dad’s hand. I still can’t forget that feeling! Praise the Lord. Amen 🙏🙏
Jamestina BOC-Ifeobu
1 year ago
God makes us to love and know him and our God is a perfect God and because we are sinners, we use this period to go closer to God for transformation, we pray,that God helps us to pray more, do penance, fast, gives arms and helps us to have interior conversion so we can relate freely with our God at all times. Thank you Bruce for helping me to dig deeper in knowledge of God. God bless you
Connie
1 year ago
Thank you for today’s words. I will pray more to god
Jan
1 year ago
want a tremendous teaching…….to experience Lent through your heart and the graces of the Holy Spirit. God loves us and wants a more personal place in our heart at the time. Blessings to you and your staff
Marie E Hughes
1 year ago
Thant you Bruce, I’m really enjoying your Lenten series, May the Lord continue to bless you in your ministry, keeping you in 🙏🏻 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thelma
1 year ago
Thanks Bruce, for the beautiful message.
Maryelle
1 year ago
I like your approach to Lent. Getting closer to God because he loves me is what I like to hear.
Catherine
1 year ago
Enjoyed That
Maureen Green
1 year ago
This is just to let you know that I am receiving my emails twice everyday. The first arrives at 4.30 am and the second at 7pm. Maybe just a glitch in the system but it is best you know. Thanks for the daily emails most welcome
Betty
1 year ago
According to the Baltimore Catechism, God made us to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him. I still remember that definition that I learned many, many years ago.
I have been examining my heart for some time, and I DO find, within myself, that I’m compelled to make a few IMPORTANT changes within.
Arthur Parker
1 year ago
Please talk about Prov. 17: 9
Angela
1 year ago
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can & the wisdom to know the difference. Help me make peace with the torment & loneliness in my life.
Mary
1 year ago
Please pray for my son that he will be successful in his medical exam on the 3/03/22
Amanda Roy
1 year ago
Thank you for breaking it down like Lent for Dummies 101. So helpful. I appreciate the differentiation between prayer and penance and the discussion around conversion of the heart vs just engaging in hollow acts as a means of participation. I felt personally convicted by that part of your discussion and it’s leading me to reevaluate my approach.
Pam Keller
1 year ago
Thank you for your every day messages that are changing lives especially mine. I loved the last comment that when your heart changes, your actions change. Thank you. Praying for you and your beautiful family, God bless and keep you, always.
Hi Pam Thanks for your comment. If our heart changes it cannot help but change our actions. Right throughout the Bible this is emphasized over and over. At times however it works in reverse. Knowing the heart change we want, often we have to start acting that way in order to help bring that change about in our heart. Thanks again for writing. It helps me greatly in preparation for future Daily Lenten Devotionals. Good bless Bruce
Joanne
1 year ago
Thank you for this reminder. We can only change our own hearts. Little things like how we handle annoying co workers or our spouse are immediate changes we can make this lent. I hope to emerge from lent closer to what God wants me to be. God bless!
Marjorie Jobb
1 year ago
Good morning I’m glad I met you and Rosemary through here .I have been seriously thinking about how I can be close to God instead having worries most of the time .I have known LENT for a long time but since I have been to you in here I know my heart is changing as I go everyday. Thank you so much listening to your messages of GOD.
Maria Vijarro
1 year ago
The message was an affirmation that Lent is about conversion of self and not an outward penance that is visible to others. That forgiveness should come from the heart not from just empty words.
Add a comment
Comments and Reflections
After watching the message take some time to reflect on the following:
Absolutely,got me through some of the toughest times in my life 🙏
I agree totally. prayers helped me through a lot of tough times too.
I am glad, and see prayer as a peace in these times.
For so long I thought that sacrifices were fasting, giving up things and doing things to show I am sorry for my sins. These are good but more importantly is to change in ourselves within our heart . To know God more deeply and we will as to are now n a journey towards God as we see God’s love for us more clearly.
May God be with us during our journey of Lent and hear our prayers.
thank you you too
Great message and i always rewind my days to see how I sinned and ask for forgiveness and now I shall do penance besides saying im sorry. Thank you Mr Downs.
Put into practice by going out of your way,being patient, through foul toward people even the ones you don’t like much. I think that’s what Jesus would do it
Thank you for the daily prayers and encouragement to enable us to do introspection of ourselves. God bless you 🙏🙏
Thank you, I look forward to your daily connection.. Prayer has been my my companion for ever.
I posted a comment on March 3. How can I find it to read it again?
it made me think about how much i pray which is not enough, im so glad i downloaded this its done help me alot, thank you very much and maybe God bless you
Thank you.Beautiful message.Enjoying your Lent talks from Canada.
As a convert to the church 33 years ago I feel I still have so much more to learn. I am experiencing some tough times right now and I chose this as my Lenten journey. I look forward to starting my day out listening to the daily messages. Thank you
I pray for change in my heart and actions when it comes to my approach to others and also to stop judging and to see the good in others. I am looking forward to a good relationship with and a big change in me. My faith to grow
This message today, had me realize how my approach to Lent, was totally off base. I thought more about my outward gestures were of importance. This Lent, I realize my deeper need to pray, and really listen to God, and the Holy Spirit, to make my conversion and transformation real, and my heart strong in the love of God.
Thank you for sharing this journey! You are the best.
When reading this I felt like I wrote this!
I think we do need to change to make better choices, kindness, peace, and yes pray for forgiveness.
Good morning, Thank you for getting your message to me early in the day. I listened to todays message twice, to remind myself the importance of Penance!! I hear you Bruce as an 80 year old we forget how life changes us and not always for the better. Today once again I need to start again and I need more compassion and understanding towards my husband. Love is not always easy and over years we hurt each other, I’m not perfect! From today I will try again with the help of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your… Read more »
Beautifully and honestly said, Christina.
God Bless.
Christina, your comment made me really stop and think about myself and my relation to my husband. Love as we get older is not easy and your words made me think of changes I need to make in my life. Thank-you and blessings to you this day
God bless your journey!
Amen
I am so thankful to listen to your messages each day and I travel through Lent toward a life changing journey. Thank you for your encouragement!
God will carry you through every storm in your life . And give you strength to make it our God is so awesome .
Amen
👍The more you see your need Him the better your relationship with Him is! Other may fail us but He never will! Never to leave or forsake us! Total reliance of Him who give us New life!
Amen
Thank you very much for the daily scriptures and prayer I feel I am in a reinvention journey and I am truly blessed!!!
Thank you for the daily inspirations and prayers
1.God wants us to change & become more like Him.
2.We must consider making the changes in order to be more like Him.
3.I have to make the effort to bring about the changes in my life & strive to be a better person on a daily basis.
May God bless you & all your work Bruce, Rosemary & team.
These are such wonderful reflections it helps me to reflect on my daily walk of faith
Thank you Bruce
Thanks
From inside out…. interior conversion…… I like that…. we say sorry, and are just empty words, therefore not acceptable..
Thank you for the message today on penance. I didn’t know what penance meant. But it reminds me about the passage in James that talks about salvation by grace not works. In my written out prayer this morning I asked God to show me my next step, and how to express my continual inner conversion of my heart in ways that will help bring others closer to him and not to make them stumble. As I tried to quiet my heart and my mind to listen to what God had to stay, I caught myself thinking about my to- do-list… Read more »
This has given me a better understanding as how to get closer to God! Thank you Jesus for all that you gave up for us amen!
I love the Lenten Journey with you Bruce , very informative
I alway equated penence with punishment. I can see now that penence is taking action, making changes to work towards the transformation of our heart to draw closer To God and to our true self. Our true self, who God wants us to be is obtained by that transformation internally as opposed to externally. Giving things up for lent is is not to punish or deny but to transform, to be present with God. This shift in thinking is enlightening. We love a God who loves us back, not one who is set out to punish us.
I too have always thought of penance as punishment. Some of that comes from my own misunderstanding I’m sure, but part of it comes from the way it was taught to me at a young age. I remember at that time how my priest’s approach was always about hell and damnation and punishment for any shortcomings really. As a child, that was terrifying and just caused me to fear God. I am so grateful that my perspective has shifted from that of fear to one of love, faith, trust, and a desire to honor Him for the right reasons that… Read more »
Penance in its true form opened my eyes. Another conversion from what i have “believed” since childhood and learning that its a pathway to my closer relationship with God.
This is a second year of joining with you at Lent, I’m a life long Catholic and have always enjoyed this time of year because it makes you think about life, the people around you and myself.
Thank you for what you do bring pause to think about the good things we have to be thankful for, and ability to work through the not so good times.
Prayers have helped me get through the loss of my soul mate
Proof He is close to the broken hearted! Be blessed..Your soul mate is in your future.. eternity is a forever thing! We grieve but not as those who have no hope 🕊Thanks be to God!!!!
For so long I thought that sacrifices were fasting, giving up things and doing things to show I am sorry for my sins. These are good but more importantly is to change in ourselves within our heart . To know God more deeply and we will as to are now n a journey towards God as we see God’s love for us more clearly.
Just beautiful…allow yourself to be a true expression of gods love by your outwardly expressions of love to those around you!
Godbless you Bruce
Yes conversion 🙏Actions speaks louder than words 🙏🙏Amen
Please pray for my family
Really enjoyed that 🙏🙏
I’m wanting to get to know God better and to have a better relationship with God
May he grant me my grace I have been praying for in this difficult time I’m experiencing
God bless
Thank you with all my heart to Bruce and all ministries 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️
Making ourselves better every single day in every single situation is conversion of the heart and it shows in our actions. I gladly join in prayer for all of us, especially for those in most need of this.
Thanks Bruce for helping me with the true focus of lent, to reach into the conversion of the heart. Have a Blessed day!
Perfect for today!👍. Let your light shine and bring others to know Him through your loving kindness! Jesus, what can I do for you today to show my gratitude???
Thank you Bruce great message!
I feel for me, praying for the conversion of Russian troops the safe return back to their families, also for all of us to use this lent to establish our relationship with each other and most of all GOD our Father.
I look to the catechism as a rule book
for my life.
I feel blessed to have found out about this wonderful Christian ministry! Especially just in time for Lent!
Thank you Bruce! You really are easy to listen to and you explain everything beautifully!! I am touched every time I listen to you!!
Thank you for today’s message
My day is never complete without you reminding me that “GOD is never far from me” thank you fothose most special words. From Illinois
Thank you for your ministry. You are truly an inspiration!
Love this
I was able to save my baby niece years ago. She was very sick and doctors could not find out what was wrong. I prayed for her all night. She was only one year old. Five o’clock the Friday morning God answered my prayers. He said ask the doctors to check for tick fever!and it was! That afternoon she was so much better that she could walk holding her dad’s hand. I still can’t forget that feeling! Praise the Lord. Amen 🙏🙏
God makes us to love and know him and our God is a perfect God and because we are sinners, we use this period to go closer to God for transformation, we pray,that God helps us to pray more, do penance, fast, gives arms and helps us to have interior conversion so we can relate freely with our God at all times. Thank you Bruce for helping me to dig deeper in knowledge of God. God bless you
Thank you for today’s words. I will pray more to god
want a tremendous teaching…….to experience Lent through your heart and the graces of the Holy Spirit. God loves us and wants a more personal place in our heart at the time. Blessings to you and your staff
Thant you Bruce, I’m really enjoying your Lenten series, May the Lord continue to bless you in your ministry, keeping you in 🙏🏻 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thanks Bruce, for the beautiful message.
I like your approach to Lent. Getting closer to God because he loves me is what I like to hear.
Enjoyed That
This is just to let you know that I am receiving my emails twice everyday. The first arrives at 4.30 am and the second at 7pm. Maybe just a glitch in the system but it is best you know. Thanks for the daily emails most welcome
According to the Baltimore Catechism, God made us to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him. I still remember that definition that I learned many, many years ago.
Yes!
I have been examining my heart for some time, and I DO find, within myself, that I’m compelled to make a few IMPORTANT changes within.
Please talk about Prov. 17: 9
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can & the wisdom to know the difference.
Help me make peace with the torment & loneliness in my life.
Please pray for my son that he will be successful in his medical exam on the 3/03/22
Thank you for breaking it down like Lent for Dummies 101. So helpful. I appreciate the differentiation between prayer and penance and the discussion around conversion of the heart vs just engaging in hollow acts as a means of participation. I felt personally convicted by that part of your discussion and it’s leading me to reevaluate my approach.
Thank you for your every day messages that are changing lives especially mine. I loved the last comment that when your heart changes, your actions change. Thank you. Praying for you and your beautiful family, God bless and keep you, always.
Hi Pam
Thanks for your comment.
If our heart changes it cannot help but change our actions. Right throughout the Bible this is emphasized over and over. At times however it works in reverse. Knowing the heart change we want, often we have to start acting that way in order to help bring that change about in our heart.
Thanks again for writing. It helps me greatly in preparation for future Daily Lenten Devotionals.
Good bless
Bruce
Thank you for this reminder. We can only change our own hearts. Little things like how we handle annoying co workers or our spouse are immediate changes we can make this lent. I hope to emerge from lent closer to what God wants me to be. God bless!
Good morning
I’m glad I met you and Rosemary through here .I have been seriously thinking about how I can be close to God instead having worries most of the time .I have known LENT for a long time but since I have been to you in here I know my heart is changing as I go everyday. Thank you so much listening to your messages of GOD.
The message was an affirmation that Lent is about conversion of self and not an outward penance that is visible to others. That forgiveness should come from the heart not from just empty words.