"Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind."
Isaiah 65:17
The primary focus of the Lenten season is most appropriately prayer, fasting, and almsgiving; and rightly so. However, I would like to suggest another focus of Lent, and that’s transformation. Our readings today highlight this theme in a significant way. Isaiah prophesies that God will create a new heaven and a new earth, where tears and sorrow will be no more, and joy and delight will fill the new Jerusalem. In our Gospel from John chapter 4, Jesus heals the son of a royal official who was near death. It is a result of the official’s persistent belief that Jesus chooses to heal his son. Each of us has baggage and wounds that we want the Lord to heal. Do we actually believe that the Lord will free us? If the Scriptures teach us anything, they teach us who God really is: a liberator. Bring your heart to the Lord and let Him do what he does best. He desires to make you new, to transform you to be more like Himself. In your prayer today and throughout this Lenten season, allow Him to set you free from your sin and recreate you as He does the new Jerusalem, spotless and reflective of His glory.
In what ways do you need God to make you new?
For all those struggling with doubt in their faith, that Christ who is Truth will set them free.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Vincent Washburn
Did you know...
Vincent Washburn is in his first year of Pre-Theology at St. Joseph Seminary in St. Benedict, LA. His home parish is St. Michael the Archangel in Hudson. He loves hanging out with friends, watching movies, reading a good book, playing piano, and getting outside. After graduating from Pasco-Hernando State College, he transferred to USF Tampa where he graduated in 2020 with a degree in psychology.
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