The JOYS of Lent

Today's Readings

"Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create; For I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight; I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people." Isaiah 65: 18-19

The Spirit of Laetare: We are in the fourth week of Lent, and passed the midway point of our Lenten journey, so there's room for rejoicing!  The week begins with Laetare Sunday, and the rejoicing of the Father upon the return of his wayward son (Luke 15: 11-32), and continues this week with Isaiah's joyful tone in Isaiah 65: 17-21 (quoted above), and the healing of a royal official's son in John 4: 43-54.  We celebrate Ezeiel's vision, and the water of life flowing from the Temple to fortify the land so as to bear much fruit (Ezekiel 47: 1-9, 12), and the healing of yet another in John 5: 1-16 (but this time on the Sabbath to make things interesting).  And finally, we join the Psalmist as we acclaim that "the Lord is good to all!" (Psalm 145: 8-9)

While Lent is not meant to be a season of JOY, it does have its joyful tone, now and then, to remind us that all of this journeying is worth it!  We can all come home and "rejoice with our Father!  We are all healed in the loving presence of our Lord!  We can all be fortified by the living water of our God, so as to bear much fruit to a world that desperately needs its nourishment.  And we can all do our part, working for the good of others, so as to affirm that the Lord is kind and merciful!

PS: Another Reason to Rejoice... Laetare Sunday also marked the 18th birthday of my eldest kid Michelle.  Her sister, Megan decorated the house, and my wife broke out the family manicotti recipe made with my Mom's amazing sauce, and we  had a good 'ol family feast... It truly was a great day!

The Crowds Will Be Amazed!

Today's Readings

"Faithfulness has disappeared; the word itself is banished from their speech." - Jeremiah 7:28

I promise not to go on and on about the evils of the world, and its inability to allow God to coexist with its "reasoned" thoughts, but I am very entertained by a connection made in today's readings. If you're new to the GregBlog, I have made it my goal to begin each day with Morning Prayer and some reflection on the day's Mass readings as outlined by the Lectionary of the Church.

Today's connection begins with the Prophet Jeremiah dealing with the very same reality that I believe is prevalent in our society today. We have relegated God to stay within the four walls of Churches, not allowing Him to be part of the collective dialogue of life. We're very uncomfortable when someone tries to sneak Him into a conversation. Many would prefer to have "the word itself banished from their speech" (Jer. 7:28) The Psalm celebrated today, is what some would call common for the season of Lent, "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts." (cf. Psalm 95: 8-9) This, of course, is built on the assumption that God is always speaking to us, and that when He does speak, we should try to listen.  Now for the fun part... Today's Gospel reading begins with the verse, "Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed." (Luke 11:14)  It's another one of Jesus' healings, and it offers us some motivation.  The best way to ensure that God is part of our world, is to talk about it!  The Prophet predicted the dilemma well, and God continues to be removed from the day to day discussion of life, but the Psalmist offers the no-brainer solution:  Allow God to be God, as He will speak when He darn well pleases.  Our task is to simply listen, and then share!

Yesterday, I offered four areas that relate to our role as disciples: Proclamation, Witness, Dialogue, and Liberation.  (These come from a DVD lecture entitled Discipleship from NowYouKnowMedia.com, presented by Fr. Anthony Gittins, C.S.Sp., M.A., Ph.D.)  Notice that three of the four could involve speaking, with the fourth (liberation) serving as a positive outcome to allowing the "speech" to be made.  I would like to offer that in light of today's readings, we commit ourselves (believers or not) to allowing God to BE, and be part of the discussion of life... That's all.  Just let Him be a part of the conversation.  If you're a believer in God's Mission, and in Jesus' ability to evangelize the Good News, then you know that all shall be well.  God's plan is one of patience and persistence.  When it is part of the dialogue, "the crowds [will be] amazed." (LK 11:14)  If God threatens your comfort zone, just by the mere presence of His name, try and relax... There's no hidden agenda; in fact, it's actually quite public!  

One final note:  At the risk of trying to sound like a mini-prophet, woe to you who use God, and His holy name to justify sin, or make people feel uncomfortable about their place in this world.  In your proclamation, witness and dialogue, give them peace, faith, hope, and love.  Allow God to do the liberating!