Isaiah 58:1-9A
“What are you giving up for Lent?” A question that is always a
struggle. Chocolate? How would I survive? TV? And miss an episode of…? Nope.
Coffee? I would never make it to work! Wine? Heaven forbid!! Each year, I
deliberate, I moan, I complain, I fail. Is Lent supposed to be a diet of
earthly goods? I don’t think the Lord heard of Godiva, Samsung or Starbucks.
Today’s readings tell us a few things for sure, one we’re not supposed to moan
or complain. The other, for me, is it’s not about chocolate.
My goodness, how have I missed it all these years? Have I
been so consumed with trying to figure out the one thing I would actually have
the will power to give up? It’s right there in Isaiah 58: “This, rather, is the
fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the
yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with
the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when
you see them, and not turning your back on your own.”
What pattern of behavior in my life needs changing?
What do I need more of in my life? Patience? Unselfishness? A more
loving behavior/attitude?
 |
| Jesus is inviting us to a change of heart |
For many of us, the choice may not be to give something
up, but to add something meaningful, purposeful and pleasing to others to our
daily lives during Lent: prayer, service and sacrifice. Jesus is inviting us to
a change of heart that begins with 40 days and transforms us for a day, week,
month, year and more importantly, for a lifetime. That transformation is
good for us, others and the world.
My
sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God,
you will not spurn. (Psalm 51)
Marija
Wierzbicki
Advancement
Associate and
Assistant
to the Vice President for Advancement
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