Readings: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 9:22-25
In today’s readings, the theme of choosing life through service to God and taking up our cross to follow Jesus through service to one’s neighbor speaks of discipleship. Gaspar writes in his letter to Mother Maria Nazzarena De Catris: “Every morning give spirited thanks to the Lord and do so especially when you receive Holy Communion, at which time you shall beseech for me those burning flames of ardent celestial fires that will purify me and join me incessantly to God. . . .” One practice during this Lent might be to develop different prayer styles that use silence to allow God’s Holy Spirit to burn away the “sludge of sin” that keep us from saying a complete yes to God.
After receiving Holy Communion spend some time in silence asking God to show you where you need to be more open to God’s grace for growth during this Lenten season.
Reflection by: Rev. Timothy L. Knepper, C.PP.S. (Cincinnati Province)