"He is to be your God and you are to walk in his ways" - Deuteronomy 26:17
Meditating on today's readings, I cannot help but be amazed and challenged by how much is demanded of us who desire to be one with God. Notably, today's Old and New Testament passages remind us that to be one with God is indeed to be imitators of His different, or holy ways. How appropriate these readings are for Lent, an opportunity to examine how, or if we are "walking in His ways."
Sadly, it seems easier and even acceptable to do the opposite of what Christ demands us - we act decisive or mercilessly in the world. How often do we want to get back at someone we believe has hurt us, rather than loving and praying for them? How much do we demand the last word in an argument rather than peace? In my monastery, which contains monks with different personalities, backstories, emotions, etc., it is tempting to fight or condemn the other when they upset me. Yet, fighting or cursing those that act differently than ourselves is not what is demanded of us. We are called, or better yet, expected to act differently than the rest of the world.
During this Lent, it may be worthy of discerning how our loved ones, friends, parishioners, coworkers, and especially strangers encounter us. Does our behavior/actions demonstrate that we are God's possession, that we are walking "in His ways?" Or will they merely recognize that we are Christians by the crucifix, saint medallion, or religious habit that we wear?
Lord, help us walk in Your ways, away from the darkness and towards the light You call us to be in the world.
Reflection by:
Brother Lucius Amarillas
Did You Know...
Brother Lucius Amarillas, O.S.B., is a monk of Saint Leo Abbey. He was born in California but grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada where he served as a catechist in his parish. After coming to study at Saint Leo University, he decided to join the Benedictine monks at Saint Leo Abbey where he has recently professed his solemn vows. In the Abbey community, Lucius serves as Prior of the Monastary, the Abbot's right hand that assists him in caring for the monks and their needs. Br. Lucius is also an adjunct professor of theology at Saint Leo University
