Reflection for Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent
As today’s liturgy unfolds we encounter the entrance text: “Give light to my eyes lest I fall asleep in death, lest my enemy say: I have overcome him.” The meaning of this passage from Psalm 13:4-5 will become apparent as we examine the readings of the day. In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah accuses Judah and Jerusalem of hypocrisy—of professing fidelity to God through their animal sacrifices—while at the same time living lives of wickedness. The Lord says “Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow” (Is. 1:16). There is a total disconnect between their religious observances and the treatment of their brothers and sisters in their everyday lives.
In line with this, Jesus launches a similar rebuke at the scribes and the Pharisees: “…do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them” (Mt. 23:3-4). The responsorial psalm (Ps. 50) further explains: “Why do you recite my statutes and profess my covenant with your mouth, though you… cast my words behind you?” The psalmist goes on to quote the Lord as saying “I will correct you by drawing them [your actions] up before your eyes.” This takes us back to words of the entrance antiphon: “Give light to my eyes.” It is a fervent prayer to God to shine the light of divine truth upon us, to open our eyes to see the hypocrisy and wrongdoing in our lives, lest Satan boast in triumph over our failure.
The responsorial psalm concludes with the words: “He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.” It is understood that this is the offering made by one whose words of praise are backed up by a life of charitable actions. The communion antiphon takes this a step further. It is a confident offering of praise to the God who can work wonders in our lives: “I will recount all your wonders. I will rejoice in you and be glad, and sing psalms to your name, O Most High” (Ps. 9:2-3). Our Father in heaven softens and humbles our hearts, opening the way to true conversion of life. Let us sing praise to the Lord and recount the wonders of the God who humbles but also exalts.
Reflection: Where are the dark corners or gray areas of our lives in which we need the light of Christ to shine? Do we truly practice what we preach?
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources