The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, April 4, 2006
Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
St. Isidore, bishop and doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 102:2-3, 16-21
John 8:21-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's first reading we hear what happened to the Israelites when they complained against the Lord. It is a good lesson to hear, to be reminded of the times when we have been ungrateful and what the Lord could do to us if He desired.

The difference between our complaining and that of the Israelites may in reality be miniscule. We might not be complaining AGAINST God, but TO Him. However, rather than risk the Lord's wrath which can send down seraph serpents (even the thought of which, scares me to death), I'm going to try to have a more habitually grateful heart.

That doesn't mean I won't share with the Lord my distressing thoughts or the trials of my day, but will instead be mindful of His merciful help and how lost I am without it.

Let us pray for patience and long-suffering in memory of Him who even to this moment restrains His rightful wrath.

- Donna Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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