Tuesday of the First Week

Reflection

The image from the book of Isaiah of rain and snow falling on the fields suits this Lenten season in Vermont perfectly. As we look out on the landscape, brown and grey or blanketed in white, it does not appear that anything at all is happening to prepare for the green season of growth ahead. But we know that these things take time. Water and nutrients are soaking into the soil and will transform the world, come spring.  So it seems to us too, sometimes, that nothing is happening in our souls; that our hearts are frozen and cannot move forward. But we should learn to be patient; to let the Word soak into us and slowly, steadily renew us.

 

And the Word—both the Scriptural word and Jesus, the Word—will provide “bread to the one who eats” to see us through the barren seasons. And in time, will give “seed to the one who sows”—stirring in us the ability to do fruitful work, to inspire others, and to sow peace and joy in the world.

 

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus urges the disciples not to babble and multiply words when they pray, but to use the simple, direct language of the Our Father. Because the words are so familiar, we tend to rattle through them. But we should take our cue from the rain and the snow and take time to let the words soak into our souls as we ask each day for our daily bread for the journey.  

Prayer

In this season of waiting and preparation, Lord, teach us to pray. Give us patience to listen to Your Word so that it may nourish our souls and bear fruit in our lives.

 

Zsuzanna Kadas, Professor of Mathematics

 

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11

Psalm 34:4-7, 16-19

Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15

 

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website