Ezekiel 18:25
You say, "The LORD's way is not fair!" Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair? Are not your ways unfair?
Growing up, every Lent began in the same way: me complaining to my parents! "Why do I have to give something up AGAIN? It's not fair!!" To make matters worse, I never got a clear answer to that question. Giving up something during Lent was just something that was done. My parents held strong, though, and every year I would make a sacrifice. It became a Lenten habit that bore much fruit later on!
The Israelites certainly did their fair share of complaining against the God who always remains faithful to His beloved children. Today's First Reading is a classic example: the Israelites think God's rules are too strict and hard to follow. How often do we fall into a similar trap, especially in the season of Lent? The "list of rules" to follow and sacrifices to make in Lent are actually the Lord's loving invitation to detach ourselves from all that separates us from his unending and merciful love. He is the one who is fair - our complaining against his merciful and loving invitation is not! Today, let's recommit ourselves to the ways that the Lord is inviting us to draw closer, so that we can arrive at Easter with hearts full of joy!
Get to know our seminarians! Today's reflection was written by:
Christian Galvan, Theology II
Home parish: St. Stephen
Did you know...
Last year, I gave up making puns for Lent . . . definitely was a lot harder than I thought it would be!
Pray with us for the men and women discerning the priesthood and religious life. To pray for our seminarians by name or to find out more about the Diocese of St. Petersburg vocations office, click here.
