The Catholic Calendar for Friday, March 5, 2004
Friday of the First Week of Lent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 18:21-28
Psalm 130:1-8
Matthew 5:20-26

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Lent is such a wonderful, positive time of opportunity. We're just into Lent one week, when we confront one of the most difficult situations of the Christian life -- love for our brother and sister. It's so easy with those who are gentle, gracious, and thoughtful. It's so difficult with the abrasive, rude, and selfish person. What a thorn they can be in our side!

But Jesus is persistent and serious about this commandment. We might just as well suspend the rest of Lent if we can't confront this issue today! Of course, we can't love and forgive on our own! Jesus never asked us to do it on our own. We can do it by using His power to love and His power to forgive.

And don't forget. Once we have forgiven and reconciled, once we have embraced this person into our family of brothers and sisters, we must keep them there -- and treat them as family. Alone, I certainly can't do it. But living in Jesus' presence, and clinging close to His attitudes, it's even a joy.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

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posted by joachim at 4:07 AM