Reflection for Tuesday, March 22, 2011: 2nd week in Lent.
No Thumbnail Available
Files
Authors
O'Reilly, Daniel Patrick
Issue Date
2011-03-22
Volume
Issue
Type
Essay
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Today's scripture readings seem to speak of sin, confession and forgiveness. The Lord speaks through Isaiah to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah (two pretty sinful places) telling them, Wash yourselves clean! Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; Though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool. The psalmist proclaims, To the upright I will show the saving power of God. And in Matthew, Jesus tells the people, do not follow the example of the scribes and the Pharisees who do not practice what they preach.|There's a beautiful song out right now called What Love Really Means by J J Heller. It tells the poignant, heart rending story of three broken people crying out to God. Each pleads in the refrain; Who will love me for me? Not for what I have done or what I'll become. Who will love me for me? Nobody has shown me what love really means.|I think all of us have been somewhere at some time in our lives where we were convinced that no one could love us, not even God. That we had done something that God could not forgive. That we had placed ourselves beyond the reach of God's love. The Good News is that this is not true. There is no place beyond God's reach. There is no corner so dark that the light of God cannot shine there. There is no sin that God can't forgive.|Confession is a painful thing. Having to admit we've screwed up or done something wrong. I mean, it's not like God doesn't already know, so what's the point? Isaiah understands the point. I love the images in Isaiah. Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow. Sin is like dirt, filth and slime. It covers me and, on my own, I just cannot seem to get it off of me. I have this mental picture of God holding a fire hose. When I say I'm sorry to God, I had better be ready, because the sin is going to vanish in the blink of an eye. Things are going to change.|By the by, the song has a joyful ending where God declares His love for each of us. I will love you for you. Not for what you have done or what you'll become. I will love you for you.|In this season of Lent, here's something to think about. If God didn't love you, why did Jesus come to earth? My prayer is for all of us to have a fruitful Lenten season where our relationship with God grows and deepens. Where we recognize just how much God really loves us.
Description
Citation
Publisher
University Ministry, Creighton University.
License
These reflections may not be sold or used commercially without permission. Personal or parish use is permitted.
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
Identifier
Lectionary Number: 231