Lenten Reflection for 3/18
Saturday of the Third Week of Lent
Daily Prayer
Merciful Father, who sent Your beloved Son to teach us your love and mercy, as we continue the discipline of Lent, make this season holy by our desire to be closer to You. May our Lenten penance give You glory and bring us Your protection.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Scripture Readings
Hosea 6:1-6; Luke 18:9-14
(Click for today’s Readings.)
Scripture Quote
Luke 18:13
[Jesus said:]
“But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner’.”
Reflection
How often do we think—and usually we are not even consciously aware we are doing so—I am better than that person? Outwardly we show, or try to show, goodness and generosity. But when we go to our Inner Room, we know there are places in our heart, secret chambers, where we are angry, resentful, bitter, envious, and prideful. Self-awareness and humility should make us realize this and say, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” The desire to be closer to God—and, indeed, with God’s help—we can let go of our anger and have our heart match our outward self. “A clean heart create for me, O God.”
Reflection Questions
- Is there someone in my life I need to forgive? Is there someone I need to receive forgiveness from?
- What can I do today to transform my anger into love, my resentment into peacemaking?
Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner.