Friday of the First Week of Lent
“Black Lives Matter” is a phrase that not only catches our attention because of recent history but also speaks to a universal truth about human nature. It resonates at the core of a thoughtful person. Being a member of the human race is based on the fact that our very existence is a gift. In fact, giftedness becomes the universal leveling factor in the way we treat the lives of other human beings, no matter what the skin color of our neighbor on this earth—our common home.
Stewardship is not just an ideal for good and sustaining behavior, but it becomes our natural response to the fact that all of creation is interconnected. That response of stewardship makes it possible for life to be full, creative, and beautiful.
The truth of stewardship sharpens our vision when common respect is achieved, but painfully it also reveals the disruption caused by greed, violence, and deceit. Jesus couldn’t be more blunt in today’s Gospel, declaring that our personal offering brought in worship to God is secondary in value to our primary desire to be reconciled with your brother or sister.
Jesus simply says that time is of the essence. Procrastination is not allowed because the longer a broken relationship is tolerated between our brothers and sisters, the more other forms of imbalance and evil are allowed to grow, cloud our vision, and harden our hearts. Warning: A life that is out of balance is bound to crash with violence to self and others.
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources