If you have not yet tried reading the daily readings during Lent, I encourage you to begin or end your day filling your mind with God’s word. As I suggested last month, this is one way to help keep you grounded in who Jesus is and what he does. You can have the gospel sent to your email or you can read it online at usccb.org
St. Paul says,
“Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2
We need to fix our eyes on Jesus, meaning turn away from everything else. Put on the mind of Jesus -- reject and replace the world’s way of thinking with Jesus’ way of thinking.
“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5 (paraphrased)
Jesus cared about the whole world and about each person he met. If Jesus walked our streets today, he would recognize and reach out to the suffering and lonely. He would see the sick and the poor and reach out to them in love. Put on the mind of Jesus.
Take every opportunity to love others through your actions. Even a word of kindness or encouragement can change a person’s life. These others may belong to another church or live in a different neighborhood. They may look and act different than we are used to. They are the very people for whom Jesus lived and died.
Let us pray for one another so that we will experience a blessed and fruitful Lenten Season.
Blessings,
Sr. Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
“This is how all will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” John 13:35