Mercy Not Sacrifice: Lenten Daily Reflections

by Mark-David Janus

As Christians, we are often told that Lent is a time when we must sacrifice in order be worthy of God. But as Mark-David Janus, CSP, reminds us, it is important to reflect instead on what God wants most—Mercy. “Lent is where we come face to face with mercy, our need for mercy, the experience of God’s generous mercy, the challenge to be merciful to others, and perhaps hardest of all, be merciful to ourselves. It is through mercy we come to the knowledge of God.” In this spiritual journey through Lent—from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday—Fr. Janus invites readers to take a little time each day with a short quotation from scripture (taken from the day’s liturgy) and offers a thoughtful and thought-provoking reflection of his own that will challenge and enliven one’s faith.

147 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2023

Reviews

[Andrew Oppmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

03/29/2024: This is my second time through Janus’ Lenten reflections—Year B—and it is some of the best faith-based prose I’ve ever read. His perspective is one I think the world could use more of—thoughtful, specific, compassionate, grounded in his own experience and the real world. His daily reflections aren’t heavy-handed or read with a holier-than-thou attitude. Scripture serves as a jumping-off point for his reflection which in turn is the jumping-off point for the reader to continue the conversation. The experience of the book is meditative and grounding, giving the reader a sense of agency and plenty of space for thinking their own thoughts. Each line of text feels like a carefully considered gift. Be guided through Lent with this incredible companion. You won’t be disappointed.

04/18/2025: This is my third time through Janus’ Lenten reflections—Year C—the final cycle in this small yet profound volume. Janus’ insights are brief, giving the reader enough substance and perspective to get them thinking. Now that Year C is complete, I sincerely hope Mark-David has another volume on the horizon. I’ve journeyed with his words for the last three Lenten seasons and I feel a deeper connection to my faith.