Fourth Friday of Lent

“With revilement and torture let us put him to the test that we may have proof of his gentleness and try his patience. Let us condemn him to a shameful death; for according to his own words, God will take care of him.” These were their thoughts, but they erred; for their wickedness blinded them, and they knew not the hidden counsels of God; neither did they count on a recompense of holiness nor discern the innocent souls' reward.

In the end, we are either counted among the innocent or the wicked. We either revile and torture God and others in thought, words, and deeds, or we love and serve Him and His children with all our beings. We either put God to the test and try His patience or trust in Him completely. We either put God to death through lives of sin and indifference or we become living tabernacles where He can dwell forever and ever. We either rely on ourselves or we depend upon God and have faith that He will take care of us. We either a blinded by selfishness or we are aware of our God-given role in this life and embrace it wholeheartedly.

What areas of our lives are leading us to wickedness? How can we turn our backs on these evils and follow the light? What can we do to increase in virtue and innocence?

O Lord, lead us away from wickedness and into holiness.

Amen.

Fifth Tuesday of Lent

“Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!” In punishment the LORD sent among the people saraph serpents, which bit the people so that many of them died. Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned in complaining against the LORD and you. Pray the LORD to take the serpents away from us.”

When things don’t go our way, we are tempted to complain. Why couldn’t God help me? Why didn’t He give me what I wanted when I wanted it? Why do I have to suffer this or that? However, these questions are poisonous to our hearts, minds, and souls. They turn us against God through unrealistic and unfair demands. God is not with us to cater to our every want and desire. He knows far better than us what will do us good and what will harm us. What we want and what we truly need can be complete opposites. Some of us require reminders of our place in the world. Our pride can blind us and God sends trials to us to open our eyes. Others suffer not because of something they’ve done wrong, but because God knows their response will be Christ-like and deepen their faith in ways that could not happen if their lives were all sunshine and happiness. God knows what each of us can beat. He never gives us more than we can handle. We might not like what He is asking of us, but it doesn’t mean His Divine Plan is unfair. His Will is just, loving, and merciful and will forge us into good and faithful servants if we will allow it to do so.

Have we ever felt disgusted with our lot in life and complained to God? How can we learn to embrace what we are going through, even the sufferings, and do God’s Will? What can we do to build up the virtue of fortitude in our faith even during times of trial?

O Lord, take away the poisonous complaints that find their way onto our lips and make us into a persevering people.

Amen.

Third Thursday of Lent

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. Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven.

There are some people in this world who always look for the dark lining in the clouds or are never satisfied. We can perform all manner of good deeds and they will find some fault with us. We can speak the truth and they will ask for some sign that we are right. This is what Jesus faced in his opponents. They would always find some reason to complain or to ask for more. They are not satisfied with what Jesus is offering them and so they belittle and misuse him. We should always be on guard against falling into the traps of finding fault with others or asking God to prove Himself to us through signs. Instead, we should be thankful for the good works we see others do and accept that God has a plan that will see us to heaven if we are willing to follow the only sign we will ever need… Jesus on the Cross!

Are we like the people who celebrate and are amazed at Jesus' good works? Or are we like those who complain or seek more signs? How can we resist these temptations and fully trust in God?

Amen.