Welcoming the Holy
Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God.
By: Sister Joan Sobala
“I have come not to abolish the law but to fulfill it.” Matthew 5.20
Opening Prayer
Tender God, you give me guides to live my life with conviction. I can choose to live by them or not. In these days before Lent, be with me as I choose your way and move forward in faith. It would be so easy to just live the letter of the law. Help me to enlarge my vision and the scope of the law in my life so that it will truly set me free – free to become more like you in every way possible. Help. Help. Help. I need You, Lord. Thank You. Amen.
Reflection
Jesus told us that he came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. It takes only minimum effort to squeak by in living out the law, but it takes a certain generosity and creativeness to make free choices which are in sync with the heart of Christ. Fulfillment of the law has to do with being creative in our human relationships, taking the initiative in bringing about global and personal reconciliation.
Our daily human actions are good or bad depending on what the heart believes and the mind knows. Let my heart be open. Let my mind be open so that I can be conscious of others in new ways – building them up rather than tearing them down, honoring people’s dignity when rumors fly or judgements made. God never turns anyone away. Why should I?
It takes a certain wisdom to choose life, to choose love – to live like this. Paul today calls it spiritual maturity, and spiritual maturity takes effort – a dedicated willingness to choose life.
Closing Prayer
Creator God, You gave your Son to be one with us and we are grateful for him, for the lessons he taught us and his companionship still. This week, as we enter the Lenten season, help me to know that the choices I make will inspire a revitalized life in me – a new and growing love of you. Help me to realize that life lived as your disciple will make me stretch out to others in kindness and compassion. I acknowledge that my efforts to grow spiritually depend on Your Spirit so generously bestowed on us. Make my heart open, Lord. Make my mind open. Amen.
