Daily Lenten Reflections

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Saturday of the Third Week

Reflection

In today's Gospel, we are challenged to examine the nature of our relationship with God. Jesus presents the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee, having an abundance of wealth, gives openly and reminds God, and all those around him, of his deeds. The tax collector merely asks God for mercy, without making a show of it. In this situation, the humility of the tax collector brings him closer to God. The Pharisee does not need to make the show of all he does—for God already knows.

Someone once told me "you are who you most are when no one is around to watch." Of course, this is also when God is able to see, and God knows us best. With this in mind, this Lent we should strive to act more like the tax collector. We should remain humble, ask for forgiveness, and this will strengthen our faith. Lent is a time to act in our faith, but we should not boast of what we are doing. God knows of our acts. Lent is also a time to strengthen our relationship with God. In this parable, the tax collector knows that he is a sinner and is pleading for God's mercy. Let us emulate his actions and work with God on our shortcomings this Lent.

Prayer
Lord, give me the strength to do the right things for the right reasons. May my actions this Lent reflect Your love. Amen.

Emily Clegg, ‘16

Scripture

First Reading: Hosea 6:1-6

Psalm 51:3-4, 18-21ab

Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website

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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.”