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Lent - Week Four 2010
By Pat Lee | March 19, 2010
Friday : March 19, 2010
Readings: Hosea 6:1-6; Luke 18:9-14
Scripture Verse: He will come to us like the rain, like spring rain that waters the earth. Hosea 6:3
Reflection: Fairy tales often have a wizard or a magician in the story. These “special” people, like Merlin in Camelot, have magical formulae that only they know. Their incantations may bestow a curse or a blessing, or rearrange history or change someone’s life. Merlin uses his magic to change the young Arthur into various animals and this, in turn, helps Arthur to see the world with new eyes and new understanding.
Jesus makes it clear in our gospel today that there is no magic formula for prayer that is only possessed by a few. Prayer is a gift that is open to all. Jesus gives us a model for prayer: we are sinners, totally dependant on God for our salvation. We are to lower our heads and ask God to pour mercy on us and rub that mercy, like oil, into our muscles and bones. We are to allow ourselves to be touched by God.
Hosea tells us that this is the love God asks from us. He doesn’t want frantic activity. He wants us to allow him to direct our comings and goings.
We pray: Lord I approach you with my head bowed and my hands open. Pour your mercy upon me this day. Let me feel your love. Let me know that you are near me, guiding and leading me. Amen.
Topics: Lent |