Tuesday, February 13, 2018

His Word Today: Open and willing hearts

Good morning everyone,

Today is the day we call Shrove Tuesday.  The word Shove is the past tense of the verb to shrive, which means to absolve.  On this final day before the season of Lent begins, we feast.  In an attempt to use up all the leavening agents in our households, we make pancakes of various sorts and celebrate, even though we are conscious of the fact that the Lenten Fast begins tomorrow.

Already today, the scriptures begin preparing our hearts so that we can live the coming season of Lent as a time of blessing.  The Letter of James cautions us not to see this time as an opportunity for God to tempt us.  Indeed, God is not subject to temptation to evil, and he himself tempts no one. Rather, each person is tempted when lured and enticed by his desire (James 1:13-14).

During this day of feasting, let us do our best to be aware of God's generosity.  May God's goodness to us allow us to be conscious of the grace we need in order to have hearts that are open and willing to be formed by God's gentle love, eyes to see the gifts that He places before us and ears to hear His voice which is always guiding us as we make our way through this life (cf Mk 8:17-18).

Have a great day.

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