Daily Lenten Reflections

Monday, February 27, 2012

Monday of the First Week

Reflection

God is the model Father: He invites His children to be holy but doesn’t leave it at that; He describes the course of action that allows us to be holy people, sharing with us what behaviors to refrain from and asking us to emulate His holiness. During this Lenten season, we can ask ourselves how well we have followed God’s commandments. We may spend time becoming acutely aware of our actions or inactions, realizing our sinfulness. While it may seem a rigorous course to follow, God’s law, we are told in the responsorial psalm, is “perfect,” “clear”, “true,” and “enlightening.” The path to holiness is clearly laid out. As Christians, we are called to follow this path.

It’s easy to skim through today’s Gospel reading since it’s a passage we may have heard many times, but Christ’s words to His disciples in this Scripture serve as a reminder of our call to serve others. Lent, as a time of sacrifice, causes us to think about how we give of ourselves. With Christ as our example of ultimate self-sacrifice, we can use this season to reflect on the ways in which we have ministered to those around us, thereby pleasing the Lord. In this passage, we also become aware of Christ’s presence within all people and come to know that, in loving others, we show our love for the Lord. I find this an especially pertinent reminder to always represent our faith well, to actively work toward constantly embodying God’s love for humanity in the name of Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Lord, as we begin the season of Lent, let us reflect on Your commandments, striving always to live our lives according to Your law. Help us to seek out opportunities to serve others before ourselves, extending our love, compassion, and gifts with those we meet. Remind us, Lord, that Christ is present within all of Your people, and give us the graces we need to serve You by serving our world.

Ellen Desmond, ‘12

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

1 comment:

Anna said...: Thanks Ellen for reminding us of how we are called to a path of embodying God's love for humanity through Jesus' example and how he leads us and guides us on this path.; February 28, 2012 at 9:54 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.”