Even during Lent, we can carefully note God's every word for the wrong reasons — not for serving God, but for selfish motives. The enemies of Jeremiah paid close attention to his words — not to be changed by them but to find a means to destroy him. Likewise, Jesus' enemies paid close attention to His words — not to be transformed by His words, but to find "a means to destroy Him."
It's all in the wanting, in our desires. Jesus Himself asks us: "What is it you want?" (Mt 20:21) Jesus knows that we move according to the desires of our heart (see Lk 6:45; Jn 2:21).
During Lent, let us carefully note God's every word — not for finding loopholes to avoid the discipline of Lent, but to allow the Word of God to change and mold us. Let us desire what Jesus desires — to give our hearts and minds completely to Him.
"What is it you want?" Lord, may I want what You want. Change my desires to align totally with Yours. "Not my will but Yours be done" (Lk 22:42).
| PRAYER: | Father, purify me for a genuine love (1 Pt 1:22). |
| PROMISE: | "Whoever wants to rank first among you must serve the needs of all." –Mt 20:27 |
| PRAISE: | St. Katharine said, "And here is the passive way...peaceful abandonment to the tenderness of Jesus." This "passive" woman founded a religious order and nearly sixty missions and schools! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College