February 17, 2021: Ash Wednesday

Today's Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021721.cfm

In the first reading, we see in God a willingness to accept and embrace us, regardless of our failings. How wonderful it would be if we could see in each other this same Mercy and Justice? Especially in today’s world, overflowing with rancor as it is, we are called to return to God’s loving embrace, as individuals and as a community, so that we might embrace His Guidance and Wisdom and Mercy and begin to live our lives as He desires. This reading speaks directly to our Core Values - Respect, Integrity. Community, and Justice - and how we might use these as building blocks for all of us to construct better lives.

The responsorial psalm, “Be Merciful O Lord, for we have Sinned" calls out to us, recognizing our human frailty, to return to God’s call and once again feel the embrace of His loving warmth. Every minute of every day we have the opportunity to stop and say, “Thank you, Lord, for your warmth and loving presence in my life.” We can do so as we walk between classes or meetings or any one of the many distractions we face each day, but no matter how busy we are, God is there calling out to us to feel the Love in his Mercy.

As we hear from St. Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, his words call us to be like St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena who dedicated their lives and work to bringing the Good News of God and his Mercy and Justice to all those around the globe.  As ambassadors of the community of Caldwell University, founded by the Sisters of St. Dominic, a community joined with the others around the world in the Order of the Preachers, it is fitting we listen to God’s call, and that of his only son Jesus, and through our actions, bring His good word to others here on campus, in our community, and in the communities in which we live. Our return to God’s calling is never too late and we are called to start now….a perfect way to start on the Lenten Journey at Caldwell.

- Dr. Matthew Whelan, Caldwell University President


Comments

  1. UnknownFebruary 18, 2021 at 8:49 AM

    Thank you, Dr. Whelan for centering our Lenten journey in the ordinariness of ours days and routines on the CU campus, our families, and our life beyond. Wonderful reminder of how simple pray can be as we move from place to place. Peace.

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