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As is traditional for Catholics during Lent, everyone at the seminary has made Lenten resolutions relating to the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Sunday's first reading is a great way of thinking about the Lenten penances we've begun. Here's a snippet:
"[saying] 'He brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand and outstretched arm, with terrifying power, with signs and wonders; and bringing us into this country, he gave us this land flowing with milk and honey. Therefore, I have now brought you the firstfruits of the products of the soil which you, O LORD, have given me.' And having set them before the LORD, your God, you shall bow down in his presence." (from Deuteronomy 26:4-10) The first time I read it, I was struck by that word "firstfruits." You've probably seen it in other places in scripture: Cain & Abel, all throughout the Books of the Law, and symbolically throughout the New Testament. Literally, it means the best produce of a crop. Perhaps we don't have crops to give God, but Lent is a time to remember the amazing things the Lord has done for us. I look at my own life and how God has provided for me to be here at seminary, how he's shaped my heart thus far, and how well he's taken care of me. When I was at my nursing home apostolic assignment yesterday, I was asking some of the patients what intentions of theirs I could pray for. Several patients responded, "you can pray for me, but there are so many people worse off than I am. Pray for the conflict in Ukraine!" It is easy to reduce the purpose of Lenten mortification to a growth in humility or a detachment from worldly goods - both of which are genuine and important reasons for penance. But we give back to God and neighbor because we rejoice in what God has done for us. We pray because we've been blessed with time. We fast and give alms because God is taking care of us. Our Lenten commitments are meant to be gifts of loving worship, not gloomy obligation, to the powerful God who is always inviting us into his arms.
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Catholic. Archives
July 2023
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