Wednesday, March 5th

Scripture

Joel 2: 12-18
Ps 51: 3-6ab, 12-14 and 17
2 Cor 5: 20 – 6:2
Mt 6: 1-6, 16 -18

Reflection

“Return to me, with all your heart.” Joel 2: 12

Here we are again, entering the Great Lent of the Church {Eastern Rites call it Great Lent), ready or not. Ashes, prayers, giving up, and giving come to mind as we read today’s scriptures. Three significant words: return, receive, replenish come to my mind also as I reflect. (Lots of r’s showing up there in a row.)

In some parts of our planet earth, spring is on the horizon. For others, another season is approaching. As we think of spring, how do we connect it to Lent, or do we at all? As spring returns, we, too, can begin again, like a seed planted in the dirt, the soil, or soul of life. In the darkness the seed receives water, warmth, nutrients, and it grows. (Sometimes wood ashes are used to replenish nutrients.) Almost miraculously, I would say, life is compressed in a seed. Coming into the light, the little sprout still receives and grows and becomes what it was meant to be. Maybe it blossoms and bears fruit or becomes a tree. Earth is replenished. The seed gives up
being a seed and becomes something new. The growth cycle of life is repeated, replenished. Life moves forward.

Prayer

Resurrected Christ Jesus, as we begin Great Lent this year,
conform me to your passion, death, and resurrection in my daily
life. May I receive the imprint of your life and love in all I am and
in all I am becoming. I live by your grace. Amen.

Personal Challenge

I will reflect more on the pattern of Christ’s life and love in my life
and act accordingly, becoming more fully who I am called to be.

Sister Janet Franklin,
New Roads, LA