Reflection for Saturday After Ash Wednesday
If we take Lent seriously and truly desire a radical and fruitful time, we must pay attention to the readings today. Often, and for a good reason, we deny ourselves certain pleasures to help us focus on what is important to us. But if this is all we do, any gains we achieve during this time will be wasted.
Listen to what Isaiah says, “If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; if you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; Then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday.” The very nature of our Christian life centers on Jesus’ mission to be there for those who suffer, our mission to do the same. Lent is a time for us to refocus on being for others, acting on behalf of others, sharing the blessings God has given us for others.
Ask yourself, have you given anything thought to what actions you can do for others? Maybe go out of your way to compliment someone each day? Maybe go through your belongings and donate something each day to someone needy. Go and volunteer at a homeless shelter, go to a nursing home, and visit the residents. We will be judged on how we judge others; will you judge others with kindness and help?
Reflection Question: How will you be there for others around you who are suffering this Lent? How can you extend that beyond Lent?
Reflection by Fr. Etienne Huard, OSB
Posted in Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources