Tuesday of the Second Week
Today's scripture readings are best summed up in the responsorial Psalm, "To the upright, I will show the saving power of God".
The reading from Isaiah presents images of blood, sinfulness, purity and redemption. In short, Isaiah encourages us today to acknowledge our sins and to know that our loving God stands reading to forgive. I have always defined sin as the distance we place between ourselves and our most honest relationship with God, and between our neighbor and ourselves.
In a similar vein, the verse from Ezekiel calls us to "rid ourselves of offenses" and to "get a new heart". We receive this "new heart", of course, by committing to a more honest relationship with God, and being a more consistent disciple of his word in our relationships with others.
The Gospel reading in Matthew addresses hypocrisy. Saying the right things and going through the motions of faithfulness to God. but not acting in accordance with what we are saying, and appearing to do publicly.
Matthew 23:11 reads, "the greatest among you will be your servant". Within this verse is the truth that "other-centeredness", not "self-centeredness" gains favor with our loving God.
Jesus challenged the religious culture of his day asking us not to fall into the trap of striving for power, prestige, and a religious showiness, but to demonstrate our love of God through acts of compassion, kindness, and generosity to others. Jesus loved the humble, meek, and marginalized people of his time.
The "saving power of God" means we are able to transform our lives, and start anew, focused on worship, honest relationship with God, and attending to and serving human needs outside of ourselves.
Prayer
Gracious and loving God, during this Lenten period, help us to hold on to what is good, to return no evil for evil, to support those in need of help, and those who suffer. Show us, precious Lord, the saving power of God. Amen.
Michael Samara
Former VP Student Affairs (1977-2012) and
Campus Minister/Academic Mentor (2013-2018)
