Second Lent Reflection for 2017

First Sunday of Lent, March 5, to Tuesday, March 7

Reflection

While Lent challenges us to stop—it does not invite us to indolence. Thomas Moore observes, “When we think of work, we only consider function, and so the soul elements are left to chance. Where there is no artfulness about life, there is a weakening of soul.” (Care of the Soul, p. 156.)

Moore also explains that the technical name for the group of rituals that we share in church is “liturgy,” Which derives from the Greek words laos and ergos. These two words together can be translated as “ordinary person’s work” or the “labor of the laity.” This is the soul’s work, and it is soul’s work that we are called to do when we stop pouring our life force into the transitory challenges and pleasures of the physical world.

Physical work is a very important part of life in a monastery—not only for survival, but as an adjunct to spiritual growth. Use the time you spend “working” to engage your soul as well—in reflection, in prayer, in gratitude. Challenge yourself to be intentional about everything you do, from the most mundane task to treasured moments of prayer.

Readings

Readings for First Sunday in Lent, March 5

  • Reading 1, Hosea 6:1-6
  • Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 51:3-4, 18-19, 20-21AB
  • Verse Before Gospel, Psalm 95:8
  • Gospel, Luke 18:9-14
  • Click here to go to USCCB Readings for March 5.

Readings for Monday, March 6

  • Reading 1, Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18
  • Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15
  • Verse Before Gospel, 2 Corinthians 6:2B
  • Gospel, Matthew 25:31-46
  • Click here to go to USCCB Readings for March 6.

Readings for Tuesday, March 7

  • Reading 1, Isaiah 55:10-11
  • Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19
  • Verse Before Gospel, Matthew 4:4B
  • Gospel, Matthew 7:7-15
  • Click here to go to USCCB Readings for March 7.

Click here to go to March 1 – March 4 …

Click here to go to March 8 – March 11 …