PRAYER / Lenten Reflection 2005 Saturday, February 12, 2005

Our Isaiah reading continues. God just can’t make it clear enough the kind of fasting God wants: remove the pointing finger, stop speaking evil, offer food to the hungry, satisfy the needs of the afflicted, refrain from trampling the sabbath. And God promises that then we shall be like watered gardens-- and more. Jesus puts flesh on this fast and promise of God. He stops the pointing finger when he invites a "sinner,"  Levi the tax collector, to join his inner circle. Levi responds by giving a great feast which irritates the Pharisees no end. Jesus responds with words we might memorize: "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but the sick do. I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."

Ask the Spirit to uncover in you any hidden resentments against the sinners around you, any pointing finger, any judgment, and any righteousness. Ask to know your own sin. Don’t scrape your conscience. Listen. Let the Spirit reveal sin to you, and you will be surprised. The revelation might not come today but later in Lent. Then remember how your physician wants you to be with him. How do you respond to Jesus, friend of sinners?

Contributor: Sister Rea McDonnell

---

---

School Sisters of Notre Dame, Baltimore Province 6401 North Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21212-1016

Voice: 410-377-7774 Fax: 410-377-6945 Comments or questions? E-mail us Technical questions about this website? E-mail our WebSpinner

---