The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate action to draw closer to those who we may have avoided due to our neglect of their needs.
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The Prophet Isaiah declares the benefit of authentic fasting and sabbath observance.
* [58:6–12] Fasting is not genuine without reforming one’s way of life. A true social morality will ensure prosperity.
* [58:13–14] Sabbath observance becomes a cornerstone of postexilic piety; cf. 56:2, 4, 6.1
Psalm 86 is an individual lament to reflect on our relationship with God.
* [Psalm 86] An individual lament. The psalmist, “poor and oppressed” (Ps 86:1), “devoted” (Ps 86:2), “your servant” (Ps 86:2, 4, 16), “rescued…from the depths of Sheol” (Ps 86:13), attacked by the ruthless (Ps 86:14), desires only God’s protection (Ps 86:1–7, 11–17).2
In the Gospel from Luke Jesus calls Levi who is perceived as a public sinner.
* [5:28] Leaving everything behind: see note on Lk 5:11. (an indication of Luke’s theme of complete detachment from material possessions.)3
Cindy Costanzo shares that the power of Lent is the call to witness, to observe, to accompany, to reflect, to change our heart and mind.
As I pause and let this resonate I am overwhelmed at the enormity of Levi’s ability to say yes. His yes meant he had a transformation within his heart and mind. What were the pre-events that made this transformation possible? I have to believe that his change in heart and mind were the result of an experience and his ability to quiet himself, to be silent, to reflect to listen and then to act.4
Don Schwager quotes “Our All-powerful Physician,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 AD.
"Our wound is serious, but the Physician is all-powerful. Does it seem to you so small a mercy that, while you were living in evil and sinning, he did not take away your life, but brought you to belief and forgave your sins? What I suffer is serious, but I trust the Almighty. I would despair of my mortal wound if I had not found so great a Physician." (excerpt from Sermon 352, 3)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on Isaiah 58:9-14 comments that in today’s first reading, the prophet Isaiah explains that those who spend time caring for the needy and honoring the Sabbath will be rewarded with a “spring whose water never fails” (58:11).
So what can you expect to happen if you set aside a portion of each Sunday this Lent to rest in the Lord? Perhaps by slowing down and relaxing, you’ll find it easier to sense the Lord’s presence. Maybe you’ll discover that you have more time to sit down with your spouse or a child or friend, and learn more about what’s on their heart. Then when you come to the end of the day, you might feel more grateful because you have been able to see more clearly the many ways God has blessed you.6
Friar Jude Winkler connects the dots from fasting to filling our hearts with Love. Our spiritual acts should fill us with lightness and bring joy to our person. Friar Jude explains Jesus response to those who fear the contagion of sin.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, suggests that foot washing (John 13:1-8, 12-17) as contemplative practice to teach us grace and forgiveness can happen any time.
No particular script or special space is needed, just a basin, warm water, towels, and your authentic presence. You might choose to wash in silence, focusing on the physical sensations. Or you may wish to talk about what you mean to each other, express gratitude, or ask for forgiveness. However you choose to practice foot washing, I hope it helps you experience your own and your companion’s bodies as God’s body.7
Our inward disposition to avoid contact with those who we perceive as sinners runs contrary to Jesus example that brings us fullness of life.
References
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(n.d.). Isaiah, chapter 58 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Retrieved March 9, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/bible/Isaiah/58:9
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(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 86. Retrieved March 9, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/bible/Psalms/86:1
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3
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(n.d.). Luke, chapter 5. Retrieved March 9, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/bible/luke/5:27
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4
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(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections .... Retrieved March 9, 2019, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
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5
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(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved March 9, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
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6
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(2019, March 9). Mass Readings .... Retrieved March 9, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/03/09/
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7
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(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive: March 2019 - Center for Action and .... Retrieved March 9, 2019, from https://cac.org/category/daily-meditations/2019/03/
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