We all have messy lives. Beautiful relationships and broken ones; joys and sorrows; ups and downs. We relate to each other this way. We can listen to one another through our shared humanity. We share this humanity with Jesus as well.
Jesus is fully divine, yes—but he is fully human. Jesus understands what you go through in this life. He listens to you through his own humanity. How amazing is that? God has a face. You can see him. God has a name. You can call him. And he wants a relationship with you—a human relationship. All we need to do is give him the time it takes to cultivate that relationship.
God wants to give you more. How will you respond this Lent?
Fr. Mark Toups, an experienced spiritual director, leads readers inward to invite the Lord to heal those areas where they need it most. He follows the same format that more than a hundred thousand people enjoyed in Advent with his popular Rejoice! journals. Readers will receive daily guidance as well as supplemental videos, to help enter more deeply into Lent and remain focused throughout the season.
Go Deeper this Lent
The Ascension Lenten Companion combines inspirational video presentations, Scripture, daily meditations, and prayer prompts to create a powerful prayer experience that will take you deeper in your relationship with Jesus and help you and your parish have a more peaceful and prayerful Lent.
Meet Fr. Mark Toups
Ordained in 2001, Fr. Mark Toups is a priest for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, where he serves the Diocese as Director of Seminarians. In addition, Fr. Toups works with the Institute for Priestly Formation, specializing in communications, development, and spiritual direction.
Fr. Toups has also served as pastor of St. Lucy’s Catholic Church in Houma, LA and St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Thibodaux, LA. He received his Master’s of Divinity from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. A college graduate of Nicholls State University, he is a native of Houma, LA.