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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings: March 4, 2007
By Jeff Hensley
Catholic News Service
March 4, Second Sunday of Lent
Cycle C. Readings:
1) Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14
2) Philippians 3:17-4:1
3) Gospel: Luke 9:28b-36
Lent is right where I want to be. My prayer life is a mess. My time spent in quiet listening is all but nonexistent, and I long to long for the Lord.
And I know from the readings for this weekend that that is just where God wants me, hungry for his presence and making plans to put myself there where his love can reach me.
Two of the passages point in that direction: The end of the Psalm says, "Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted and wait for the Lord." Then Paul writes to the members of the Phillipi community "to stand firm in the Lord."
The other thing in these readings that makes me feel confident about my own feeble attempts to come closer to God is the evidence offered that all that is required of me is a willing heart and obedient response to God's invitation.
In Genesis we see Abraham entering into the covenant with God, having obeyed God's requirements of him, but passing out at the time when God consummates the agreement. Hmmm. It sounds like God's participation was the more important part of the equation.
Then we find Peter with Jesus (and James and John) at the Transfiguration coming out of the experience offering to build three little shelters from tree limbs, one each for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. It's sort of a silly response, but one that is passed over lightly with Luke's aside that "he did not really know what he was saying."
The two requirements of us to enter into a deeper, more glorious relationship appear to be obedience to what God has told us and simply being present.
I think I know two places I want to be as I enter this holy season of seeking and emptying of self so that God may enter in. I want to spend some time before the Blessed Sacrament and some time alone in the out-of-doors, asking for God's loving presence. I truly believe that if I show up, he will already be there waiting for me.
QUESTIONS:
How is your prayer life these days? What are some specific plans you can make for spending time with God, seeking him in Scripture, the sacraments and solitude?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks; your presence O Lord, I seek" (Psalm 27:8).
END
Copyright © 2006 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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