Daily Lenten Reflections

Sunday, February 26, 2012

First Sunday of Lent

Reflection

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is,

'What are you doing for others?'” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The story of Noah’s ark reminds us that we are all called to “do” something for others, to be in relationship with one another and in relationship with Christ. In today’s readings, Noah is made aware of the covenant that he has entered into with God. Noah is reassured that both he and his descendants will no longer have to worry about the possibility of another life-threatening flood. Of course, we know that natural disasters occur all of the time in today’s world, sometimes even in our own communities. While I am not suggesting that God was wrong to imply that humankind would never again be faced with natural disaster, I am suggesting that we strive to recognize those who accept their call to be a person for others by caring for friends, family members, and even strangers in times of need, much like Noah did. When we overcome the obstacles that life throws at us and greet each and every living thing with respect and kindness, we often feel nourished. In a similar way, we can become spiritually nourished by opening up our hearts to Christ’s love and recognizing His presence in our lives. I find that when we strive to see the Noahs of the world and to be a Noah ourselves, we get closer to the ideal example that Christ has set for us and in “doing” so, we get closer to who He intended us to be. And what a beautiful portrait of hope this is!

Prayer

Dear Lord, we ask that You make us a channel of Your peace, that You help us to be the best version of ourselves each day. Help us to recognize Your presence in our everyday lives and to accept the call to be in relationship with You. Help us to recognize those in need and to be a beacon of hope to the hopeless. In Your name we pray, AMEN!

Courtney Smith, ‘12

Scripture

First Reading: Genesis 9:8-15

Psalm 25:4-9

Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:18-22

Gospel: Mark 1:12-15

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

1 comment:

Anna said...: I love the "beautiful portrait of hope" that you describe...one where we are Noahs of this world, offering repect and kindess to ALL creation. Thanks Courtney!; February 28, 2012 at 9:51 AM

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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.”