Third Thursday of Lent

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD who made us. For he is our God, and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.

We are all in danger of hardening our hearts. Some harden all at once because of some event in their lives that turns them against God. Others harden over time corrupted by the world and its distractions, worries, and trials. We have to constantly soften our hearts, souls, and minds through acts of sacrifice, humility, and love. Without doing so, our fields dry up and it becomes difficult for goodness to grow. We cannot bear fruits if our souls are burned up on rocky ground. If we want to prosper, then we have to hear God’s Word, understand it, and then put it into practice. We have to bow down in worship and allow God to shepherd us to greener pastures.

What are the things in our lives that are hardening our hearts? How can we rid ourselves of these things? What can we do to soften our souls so they are receptive of the Word of God and allow the seeds of faith, hope, and love to grow within us?

O Lord, soften our hearts.

Amen.