February 24, 2021: Wednesday of the First Week of Lent

Today's Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022421.cfm

“A heart contrite & humbled, O God, you will not spurn.” (Psalm 51:17b) NIV 

As we entered the Lenten season, a week ago, we were signed with ashes placed on our foreheads as a reminder to us, and to those who see us, to recognize our sinfulness and to enter into the season of repentance. 

We were also admonished to “rend our hearts, not our garments.” (Joel 2:13a) 

Today, we are reminded, once again, that a “heart contrite & humbled” God will not spurn/despise/scorn. 

Lent is all about getting our hearts in order.  This Psalm ties together the reading from Jonah with the reading from Luke. Jonah reluctantly went about his God-given task of preaching repentance to the people of Nineveh (Gentiles, NOT God’s chosen people).  Their king believed in Jonah’s message and decreed that he and ALL the people & their livestock would undergo the fast. His logic: “Who knows? God may again repent and turn from his blazing wrath, so that we will not perish.” 

In today’s Gospel reading from Luke, Jesus is asked by some of the people (the CHOSEN people) for a sign.  These people of his own time, were not understanding what the Ninevites had understood: “A heart contrite & humbled, O God, you will not scorn,” Jesus tried to explain to these “hard-hearted” people that there was someone greater than Jonah, greater than King Solomon, right there in their midst. But they just weren’t hearing him. Their hearts were closed. 

So, as we continue on our Lenten Journey, let us keep our minds and hearts open to contrition & humility, relying, in Hope, on God’s Love and Mercy.   

A Heart contrite & humbled, O God, you will not spurn. 

- Carol Dunphey, '67

PS:  I highly recommend reading the entire book of Jonah, it’s brief and it gives us some insight into human nature, and reminds us: “… that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose..“ (Romans 8:28)  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

February 18, 2021: Thursday After Ash Wednesday

Today's Readings:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021821.cfm Looking back...  Did we pray only when we needed to?  Did we pray only when we were lost?  Did we pray at all when we found ourselves? Or did we forget God?  Did we get angry at God when we disobeyed and had to face the consequences? Did we take the time to thank God today and every day?  Did we take the time aside from our schedules to talk to God?  Dear God,  Help me to find You even during times of hope and prosperity. During times when things seem to go my way, let me remember that I have commandments to follow in order to lead a prosperous life. No money or fame will take away from the necessities of faith. If I disobey, help me to find my way back. I affirm that a life with you is a life that's safe and fulfilled. Instill in me an abundance of hope that I may continue in your path and not try to be my own god. That I may hope for brighter days, and a more optimistic outlook, even when all else around me
Read more

March 16, 2021: Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031621.cfm Imagine you are the man at the pool of Bethesda in today’s Gospel. You’ve been ill for 38 years, hoping for a cure, and suddenly you’ve got it! When Jesus says, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk,” he changes your whole life! He saw you, he knew your suffering, and now he’s healed you. But that’s not enough for Jesus! Even after giving you physical healing, he comes to find you in the Temple area. He isn’t congratulating himself, saying, “I’ve done well! I’ve helped this man. My work here is finished!” No, that one encounter was not enough for Jesus. Even though he’s done so much for you, he wants to find you again.  Now, step out of the story. Think about your own life. When was the last time Jesus found you? Maybe it was in the help of an essential worker who cared about you, even though it meant risk for them. Maybe it was in the colors of a sunset or the giggles of a child. Maybe it was in a text that came at just
Read more

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
Read more