There is something greater here. Something greater than the wisdom of Solomon and something greater than the preaching of Jonah. Following the way of Jesus is a faith we are called to live daily. This is not a part time vocation. We all have a unique gift in the dignity we have been conceived and born with. We have a unique way to express and live out our dignity. Unfortunately, what happens with most of us is that we are distracted, tempted, or misdirected as to what God would have us do each day. We are often unplugged from the very source of our existence.

As Jesus taught, often in his parables, the kingdom of heaven on earth starts small, like a mustard seed, like yeast, and develops slowly when nurtured. Lent is a good time to slow down, step back, take a retreat even while in the midst of our everyday activities. We just need to insert some dedicated time to God each day so to better be able to acknowledge his presence our activities.

If you are feeling a bit restless, on edge, out of sync, I invite you to make some time to be still and breathe, this can be in the shower, when you have some breakfast, a morning walk, or sip of coffee or tea. During this time ask God for some guidance. We can ask him to help us see those areas that we need to repent from and let go of, those thoughts, words, and actions that keep us distracted, redirected, and off kilter as to who God is calling us to be. We can then confess to him and receive his forgiveness and reconciliation. From this place of healing we are in a better posture to listen to his guidance and direction and to share his blessings.

Christianity is not a secret sect. We are called to share the joy, the forgiveness, and reconciliation we experience from God and from others. May we look then to each person we engage with throughout this day as opportunities to offer a smile, an encouraging word, to reach out to someone we have been meaning to connect with for awhile, in person or far away, someone who we may sense just needs a listening ear. May we resist reacting and ask for God’s patience to choose how to act in that moment.

Lent can be a joyful time when we enter into the season with the intent to deepen our walk with the One who is wiser than Solomon and preached the message of Jonah: “Repent”, that we may turn away from sin, and change our hearts and minds. May we be open to change, be open to forgiveness, be open to healing as well as bringing that same experience of the joy of loving to others today. May this Lent, this day, not be a drudgery to endure, but a joyful embrace of the opportunity for healing, sharing the joy, and building the kingdom of God.

Photo: CN Chapel

Link for the Mass readings for Wednesday, February 21, 2018:

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022118.cfm