The Gospel according to Luke (Lk 6:36-38)
Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”
Reflection: The word “Lent” (Lente) is a Middle English word from the 13th century which means springtime. And the Lenten season usually indicates a time for spring cleaning. I for one have been preparing my garden for the Spring by cleaning out the weeds, old plants, cultivating the ground, and planting new seeds or roots. In our own homes we clean out the closets and drawers so we can re-purpose our clothes and give them to SVDP or Goodwill. We also clean out our pantry or cabinets so we could donate them to our church pantry. And maybe, just maybe, we can restrain ourselves from technology by giving up one hour of social media or television. By doing any or all of these creates space or an emptiness in our minds. We get this feeling that we accomplish something which feels good. It gives this feeling of relief or a certain freedom by eliminating all the clutter that surrounds us.
But emptiness seems to frighten some folks because those things that we can get rid of, are also remembrances of our past. Therefore, it requires “Change” in our life. But Jesus wants us to clear out all that clutter in our life and leave room for new things, new stories, and new life. Jesus wants us to throw out all those judgements that you keep making of other people’s words or actions. Pack up those that accumulation of grievances, resentments, grudges and throw them away. Now … look at all the inner space you have for Lent, for others, and for Jesus.
This Lent, consider making it a spiritual spring cleaning, inside and out. Start with the material things that surrounds you and give them away so someone else could use them. Then move to that internal clutter that’s in your mind and soul and clear that out so your heart is clear.
Action of the Day: Now that your inner space is clear, sit in a peaceful place and ask God what He wants you to do this Lent. If your mind is clear, He will answer you.
Audio Reflection:
