The Holy Gospel according to Luke 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: As we all know, we are in the second week of Lent. The word “Lent” is an Old English word from the 13th century which means “springtime”. It also a 40-day (excluding Sundays) period of penitence, preparation and conversion for Easter. While the 40-day period was solidified in the 4th century, early Christians in the 2nd century practiced shorter, variable fasting periods. The Didache (an early Christian document) indicates that fasting was used to prepare for baptism, a practice that later became tied to the Lenten season.
The number 40 is used many times throughout the Bible. It signifies transformation, transition, and the completion of a purification process, often representing a “new chapter” or rebirth. The duration specifically echoes key biblical events: Noah’s 40 days of flood, Moses on Sinai for 40 days, Elijah’s 40-day journey, and, most significantly, Jesus’ 40 days of temptation in the wilderness.
Lent is a time for spiritual and physical renewal. You see this conversion in the trees, plants, etc. around us. I prepare my garden by clearing weeds and planting new seeds and similarly refresh my soul. At home, we clean closets and donate clothes to SVDP or Goodwill, clear out cabinets for church pantry donations. These actions create mental space, provide relief, and foster a sense of freedom from clutter.
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 or Conversion” in our life. 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 for others.
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:
Photo taken by Rose Hillmann