Thursday, March 3 (Lent Week 0)

 

 


Finding my way in the caves near Playa Del Carmen


As we begin this Lenten journey, it is time again to remember our baptismal vows, and responses to questions asked. Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? Psalm 37 illustrates ways of drawing closer to the Lord.  The psalm starts by repeating words heard throughout scripture DO NOT FRET because of those who are evil.  A very poignant reminder of what is happening in our country and the world but one that says trust in the Lord and let his citizenship be your goal.

David’s reflection in this psalm is relevant for us always, it reminds me of Jesus’ desire for us to be holy as he is holy.  “Trust in the lord and do good, dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn. Be still before the Lord and wait patently for him, do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” Verses 3-7 When we lose our way or need to be re-establish our connection to God, David’s prayer highlights our need to unite in prayer and fellowship especially when we fret and worry, may we always find times to pray to restore our souls. 

This Lent I have of lot of worry and fret in me as I watch people respond to their anger and frustration by protesting the ‘wrongs’ they have suffered.  I see the divisions that separate us from our beliefs in what is right and wrong.  People have moved to positions of anger and in the process fence themselves from looking at the right solutions.  How similar was David’s position as Saul hunted him down and only saw anger and resentment for what Saul perceived as injustice towards him.  I pray that as we journey through this Lenten season, we may proclaim by good news of God in Christ and serve Christ by loving our neighbours as our self, striving for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being.  In other words, live our Baptismal Covenant ever mindful of God wanting to be close to us.

Looking to the epistle, Philippians 3:12-21, we are asked to press on to take hold of what Christ Jesus took hold for us, to be like Him and find our heavenly dwelling.   Paul points out how to live, with Jesus as your model.   As we journey with our Saviour to meet him in Heaven, there are many enemies of the cross of Christ that distract us and cause us to turn away.  To arrive at our destination, we need to think differently than the world does.  With determination, let us head on towards the goal and win the prize of citizenship in Heaven.   Like all pursuits, training is needed along with guidance from coaches (fellow believers).  Training means reading scripture, praying, spending fellowship time with disciples ever focused on the target. Press on to the goal in to fulfil God’s desire for us.  The constant chatter of news, the inundation of social media draws our attention from our ultimate destination on this Lenten journey.  Take comfort that Jesus prayed for us from John 17:6-8 “I have revealed God to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; God gave them to me, and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything God has given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words God gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from God, and they believed that you sent me.” I took the liberty of changing you to God (the Father) for me to understand his love for me.  As we walk this Lenten pilgrimage, lets us keep on looking to Jesus who invites us to join the Father and him.  Seek the Lord in the quiet prayerful times, everyday in scripture, in our brothers and sisters and tune out the distractions of the world to find that special place God holds you and says to you, “YOU ARE MINE!!”

 - Greg Young


You are Mine sung by the Catholic Fellowship Jakarta:

 



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