REFLECT:
We are now more than three weeks into our Lent. Jesus speaks to us in the Gospel today about the importance of keeping the law. How have we been doing since the beginning of Lent in following the commandments? How have we done so far in keeping our disciplines?

Mark Searle in his article “The Spirit of Lent” reflects that the readings of Lent instruct us in the first three plus weeks of Lent on ethical demands of the Gospel. We confront our egos and recognize that as disciples we fail so often to measure up. Jesus is the one to whom the ill and sinners have recourse and so do we.

Searle goes on the state that it might be beneficial for us to have failed in following our Lenten disciplines because the point is not to prove our own strength but our radical need for our Lord. Jesus will be presented as the answer to our shortcomings and how blessed we are to have recourse to the merciful savior.

PRAY:
Lord Jesus, I thank you for your continued presence in my life and for your mercy. Let me uncover areas of pain and sin in my life that I might be healed and made whole. I ask for the grace to be disciple who brings your mercy and grace to the world. Send the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide my life. Remind me of the beauty that is offered in being a member of your holy people. I ask this through Christ our Lord.

ACT:
Looking into my life today how do I need to ask Jesus for healing and forgiveness? Compose a prayer that thanks Jesus for his mercy and abiding presence in the Church.