'Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.'-Mt 25:44
Lent is this time for fasting, almsgiving and penance. I often feel like I don't fast enough, I don't give enough, and I certainly do not do enough to show that I am sorry for the sins I have committed. It is a blessing to know that the Church, in her wisdom, chooses to give us readings today that call us back to where we are supposed to be. In today's first reading from the Book of Leviticus, the Lord speaks to us and gives us hope for our lives. His litany of 'You shall not['s]...' would seem like chains to bind us but rather it sets the foundation for the promotion of hope and virtue. The law in Leviticus also shows that the Lord is a God of love and compassion. God tells us that we are to "not bear hatred for your brother in your heart" and to "take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen" but above all "you shall love your neighbor as yourself." The teachings of the Church echo these laws given by the Lord for our benefit so that we can glorify in the goodness of the Lord and not suffer the indignities that come when these laws are forsaken. It is very difficult for me to reconcile my lack of action for others when the Lord calls me out. There really is no excuse. Psalm 19 evokes the trust we should have for the Lord. "Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life." This psalm affirms the first reading and confirms for us the wisdom of Church in placing it with today's readings. We should accept that the "precepts of the Lord are right", "the law of the Lord is perfect" and that "the ordinances of the Lord are true." God gives us these messages of what we should and should not do so that we can live and live fully. The Psalmist tells us the words of the Lord are life. Acting in love, as the Lord commands us, can certainly diffuse many tensions we face in everyday life. But also if we remember the Lord's command to participate in things that bring him glory, we will certain avoid dangerous situations and allow the Lord to give us life. Today's Gospel calls to mind the judgment of the Lord. The Lord tells us how we are to be judged when he comes again in glory and he begins to list off what the Church calls the 'Corporal works of mercy:' Feeding the hungry, giving the thirsty drink, welcoming a stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the ill, visiting the imprisoned. These days, we cannot reach all those in need and sometimes, our efforts to give to those in need are not necessarily what is in their best interest (depriving a hungry person of food is not what I mean, but rather giving an addict cash money). The Church helps us in this time and can suggest for us many ways to live the Gospel call and truly helping those in need. This Lent we are challenged to do so. So Jesus asks us essentially "What have you done for me?"
Lent is this time for fasting, almsgiving and penance. I often feel like I don't fast enough, I don't give enough, and I certainly do not do enough to show that I am sorry for the sins I have committed. It is a blessing to know that the Church, in her wisdom, chooses to give us readings today that call us back to where we are supposed to be. In today's first reading from the Book of Leviticus, the Lord speaks to us and gives us hope for our lives. His litany of 'You shall not['s]...' would seem like chains to bind us but rather it sets the foundation for the promotion of hope and virtue. The law in Leviticus also shows that the Lord is a God of love and compassion. God tells us that we are to "not bear hatred for your brother in your heart" and to "take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen" but above all "you shall love your neighbor as yourself." The teachings of the Church echo these laws given by the Lord for our benefit so that we can glorify in the goodness of the Lord and not suffer the indignities that come when these laws are forsaken. It is very difficult for me to reconcile my lack of action for others when the Lord calls me out. There really is no excuse. Psalm 19 evokes the trust we should have for the Lord. "Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life." This psalm affirms the first reading and confirms for us the wisdom of Church in placing it with today's readings. We should accept that the "precepts of the Lord are right", "the law of the Lord is perfect" and that "the ordinances of the Lord are true." God gives us these messages of what we should and should not do so that we can live and live fully. The Psalmist tells us the words of the Lord are life. Acting in love, as the Lord commands us, can certainly diffuse many tensions we face in everyday life. But also if we remember the Lord's command to participate in things that bring him glory, we will certain avoid dangerous situations and allow the Lord to give us life. Today's Gospel calls to mind the judgment of the Lord. The Lord tells us how we are to be judged when he comes again in glory and he begins to list off what the Church calls the 'Corporal works of mercy:' Feeding the hungry, giving the thirsty drink, welcoming a stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the ill, visiting the imprisoned. These days, we cannot reach all those in need and sometimes, our efforts to give to those in need are not necessarily what is in their best interest (depriving a hungry person of food is not what I mean, but rather giving an addict cash money). The Church helps us in this time and can suggest for us many ways to live the Gospel call and truly helping those in need. This Lent we are challenged to do so. So Jesus asks us essentially "What have you done for me?"
No comments:
Post a Comment