The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to ponder the direction we plan to take in our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in Lent.
The reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah describes authentic fasting that leads to Blessing.
* [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. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 58, n.d.)
Psalm 86 is a supplication for help against enemies.
* [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). (Psalms, PSALM 86, n.d.) (Psalms, PSALM 86, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus calls Levi.
* [5:28] Leaving everything behind: see note on Lk 5:11. (Luke, CHAPTER 5, n.d.)
Cynthia Schmersal wonders if Levi truly left everything in the way she initially perceived. After all, he went on to host a lavish dinner for Jesus at his house later in the day, a party at which he introduced his friends – presumed fellow sinners – to Jesus. That doesn’t sound like someone who left everything but someone who experienced a radical reorientation, a reorientation of his life and all that it contained toward God.
And, so too, I suspect is our perpetual call. How might we allow ourselves to be ever more fully reoriented? How might I approach the “essential” to-dos carried with me to retreat as opportunities to encounter and love God more fully, releasing those that do not serve such a vision? How may each of us do so in the unique texture of each of our daily lives? Such is my prayer. As we journey ever deeper into Lent and into our lives beyond, may we increasingly find in the fullness and complexity of our lives opportunity to encounter God, to love and serve God, and – like Levi – to invite others into relationship with God. (Schmersal, 2023)
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) (of Hippo & Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Isaiah 58:9-14 asks how often do we allow our fears or challenging situations around us to lead us into sin? How often do we give up on God and stop trusting in his promises because life isn’t going the way we had hoped? We may lash out in frustration or bend the rules to try to meet our own needs because we doubt that God will take care of us. But hear God’s promise: if we honor him and trust him by living in love, he stands ready to provide for us.
Today in prayer, focus on God’s faithfulness. Proclaim that he will provide for you as you follow his ways and trust in him. As you pray, fast, and give alms this Lent, rely on the Lord and watch for his blessings. He always keeps his promises.
“Lord, help me put my trust in you.” (Meditation on Isaiah 58:9-14, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the theme of the passage from Trito-Isaiah that calls the Israelites to turn away from oppression after their return to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. The attitude of the Pharisees toward public sinners was one that feared contagion with sin by social contact. Friar Jude reminds us that only Love brings the forgiveness and compassion needed for conversion.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, asks how do we stay faithful when, no matter how hard we work or how much we pray, we are not exempt from suffering? Might there be room in our actual lives—the one freighted by our neediness for others and raw hopes for tomorrow—for a blessing when everything seems to cost so much?
For courage when you thought things would be different by now
God, I thought I would feel different by now,
but new pressures just keep mounting.
I have been struggling for too long
to meet each new challenge,
to scrape up resources,
to find small comforts,
to change strategies,
to dig deep into our reserves,
to stay positive,
but I need relief
and fresh hope
and a minute to just say,
I really wish things were easier.
“We do not know what to do,
but our eyes are on you.”
—2 Chronicles 20:12, New International Version
Just when we thought we could almost be done with this,
another shoe drops. There are no finish lines.
We long for the simple joys of times past,
those everyday pleasures we can barely remember, but still hunger for.
A great night’s sleep.
Less financial stress.
The ease of making future plans.
The wish that our faith would give us an exemption
from all that is too painful.
Blessed are we who look to you, God,
in the midst of troubles that are too great for us,
that have gone on far too long.
Who dare to say,
now would be a good time for help to come,
for this to be over, once and for all.
God, send us help.
Bring solutions for the desperate,
protection for the vulnerable,
comfort for the suffering,
strength to the caregivers,
wisdom to those in charge.
Infuse us with the courage to suffer with hope.
That our suffering doesn’t go unnoticed by you.
Sustain us and orient us to the reality in which we now live.
Help us pace ourselves. Keep us awake
to what might be done, right now.
“I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
—Isaiah 41:10, New International Version
Reference:
Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie, The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days (New York: Convergent Books, 2023), 146–147. Used with permission.
(Rohr, 2023)
We are prompted by the Spirit to live with the Love that brings conversion to the motives of our journey and comfort in our struggle with the obstacles in our path.
References
Isaiah, CHAPTER 58. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/58?9
Luke, CHAPTER 5. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/5?27
Meditation on Isaiah 58:9-14. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/02/25/618023/
of Hippo, A., & Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=feb25
Psalms, PSALM 86. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/86?1
Rohr, R. (2023, February 25). The Way of Jesus: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-way-of-jesus-2023-02-25/
Schmersal, C. (2023, February 25). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/022523.html
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