Take the Lent Challenge, Six Weeks That Will Change Your Life!
Readings for the week
Comments by Christopher M. Bellitto
Monday's Readings: Mtt. 25:31-46
God's challenge today is to let our actions fit our words. His
commands can be summed up this way: Be fair, be good, be kind to those around
you. When Jesus comes again, our behavior with each other (and with God in
every human being) will be the standard by which we'll be measured.
Tuesday's Reading: Isa. 55:10-11; Matt: 6:7-15
How easy it is to skim over the Lord’s prayer because we say and
hear it so often. But put Jesus' words into the context of Isaiah's and we
understand what underlies both of today's readings. God showers us with gifts
so we can share them, use them and move each other a few steps closer to the
Kingdom.
Wednesday's Readings: Luke 11:29-32
Last week, we put on ashes and started our Lenten walk into
newness of life. Where have we come in the seven days since then? If you have
persisted, keep at it. But if your Lenten resolve passed away when you washed
your face, there is still time to get back on track.
Thursday's Reading: Mtt. 7:7-12
Jesus tells us to pray boldly and directly to
God. Our job is to follow their lead. Are there things we're afraid even to
bring before God? Are there emotions and feelings we'd rather not reveal—that
we are mad at God or disappointed with the way the world God created is
working? We'll find that God already knows what's in our hearts and that we'll
feel better for telling God exactly what we hope for.
Friday's Reading: Mtt 5:20-26
Jesus makes it very clear that we can choose
good or evil. We have the freedom to build up or to destroy. At the end of this
week, think more than usual about the choices we make and the consequences that
follow.
Saturday's Reading: Mtt 5:43-48
Today's Gospel is one of those times when we realize that it's
tough to follow God and do good. Jesus pulls us forward by asking us to do good
to those who hate or harm us. Consider how we can reach for this kind of result
with God's grace.
