Daily Lenten Reflections

Monday, February 27, 2023

Monday of the First Week

Reflection

As we begin the first full week of Lent, today’s liturgical readings highlight opportunities that we encounter along our Christian journey.

In Leviticus, we are reminded of the laws of the Lord, building on the commandments given to Moses and focusing on our equitable interactions with others, including the marginalized and disadvantaged. We are called to treat with care and respect all those in our lives. The reading ends with the beautiful motto “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” By embracing the words of the Lord, we will find “Spirit and life” as the responsorial psalm reiterates.

Matthew’s gospel reading on the end time, analogous to a shepherd separating sheep from goats, offers apt guidance on following these laws. By fulfilling the corporal works of mercy and sharing food, drink, clothing, welcome, and encouragement with those in need, we can actively love those around us, especially at a time when such compassion is so vital.

In 2021, Pope Francis designated today as an optional memorial for Saint Gregory of Narek, a tenth century Armenian abbot who was declared a church doctor in 2015. Renowned for his book of prayers written toward the end of his life, Gregory begins each prayer with the desire to speak to God from the depths of the heart and expresses an abiding love of God by a soul humbly aware of human weakness and God’s mercy. May we develop our own deep awareness of God’s benevolence and the many graces in our lives.

Prayer

O Merciful Lord, help us to follow your laws and deepen our love for others, especially those in need. Hear us as we pray today’s Evening Prayer antiphon: “O blessed doctor, Saint Gregory, light of holy Church and lover of God’s law, pray to the Son of God for us!” Amen.

George Ashline, Professor of Mathematics

Scripture

First Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18

Psalm 19:8-10, 15

Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

Mission of Edmundite Campus Ministry

The Mission of Edmundite Campus Ministry at Saint Michael’s College is to share the Good News of the Gospel with the College community by facilitating encounter with Jesus Christ. We do this through the celebration of the Church’s Liturgy, in programs promoting knowledge of the Catholic faith, by developing ecumenical and interreligious relationships, and providing retreats and other opportunities for personal spiritual growth.

The Catholic and Edmundite tradition upon which the College was founded is grounded in the conviction that all women and men are created in the image and likeness of God providing a special dignity unique to each person. Such dignity requires human life to be respected in all of its stages recognizing that we are all children of God.

Therefore, in its pursuit of furthering the Reign of God, the Edmundite Campus Ministry staff seeks to interact with and support every member of the College community in their search for Truth, contributing to the “enhancement of the human person and to the advancement of human culture in light of the Catholic faith.”