Manure

 The Gospel for the third Sunday of Lent this year is the parable of the barren fig tree. In short, the message here is repent now, or be cut down like the tree. But the gardener says he will put manure on it and if things don't improve then next year he will cut it down. The gardener is, of course, the Lord, we are the tree. 

So why does God put manure on us? I'm not a gardener so I had to find out what exactly manure does.

For soil to benefit from manure it must be applied properly so it doesn't burn the plants. Manure also helps to condition the soil so that it holds and drains water, supports healthy root and plant growth, and has nutrient holding capacity. 

Can you see the parallels? There are times God allows events to burn off our attachments to sinful things though he never intends to burn us. The soil, or foundation, allows the Living Water to flow through us, which in turn supports our spiritual growth so we become strong and fruitful. 

Some days it does seem like God is piling on the manure as He cultivates us. It stinks! It seems the aroma clings to the inside of your nostrils and the roof of your mouth. You just want to run away  because it is so unpleasant and overpowering. 

During those times remember this parable. Remember that He will not burn you, he is doing something in you that will bring new life, a better life. He is a skillful gardener, tilling and planting and reaping, as He did in Eden, in Gethsemane, and at the empty tomb on Easter morning - remember when Mary Magdalene mistook Jesus for the gardener? He did great things there and He will do great things in you too, but trust will be necessary as He enriches you. I promise you though - He will not let you wither and He does not want to cut you down.

Be Merciful

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

I don't think there is anything more difficult than forgiveness and mercy. Our self-preservation and our pride prevent us from doing it easily. I don't think it can be done without God's help, grace and healing. 

I am not a fan of Leonard Cohen but a line from one of his songs says "none of us deserving of cruelty or the grace." He's right. We don't deserve to be hurt, abused, mistreated, or assaulted. At the same time we don't deserve grace either. Yet the Lord gives it to us if we ask. 

When you are given this gift open it, use it and share it because it is not meant for you alone. It is meant to build up the Body of Christ. 

Bless your enemies. That doesn't mean condoning what they did. It means you let them go and let God take care of it. 

  

Discovering Night Prayer

My friend asked me how me Lent is going. I shrugged, not out of indifference but maybe more from resignation. It's not really going to plan. To be honest I don't really have a plan. I have a book of Lenten Gospel reflections and I can attend different events and devotions at church throughout the week if I feel led to do that, but so far I haven't gone to anything. 

In a sense Lent began early because I had to fly across the country to look after my grandchildren for 2 weeks as there was a family medical situation. Not that caring for my family is a penance but it was certainly a change of pace from my usual life. A few days after I returned home it was Ash Wednesday but by that time I was off sick from work and going to Mass was out of the question. That was disappointing but I let it go. 

Something did happen a few nights ago that sparked my interest. I discovered Night Prayer. There is an app that is free during Lent so I downloaded it. There are prayers, readings, devotions, talks and music. I've sampled all of them and I really enjoy hearing Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in The Chosen, read the Gospels in character. He also leads Night Prayer. 

I was not unaware of Night Prayer, which is part of the Liturgy of the Hours, but in the past I have found it boring, for lack of a better word. I've only heard it prayed late in the evening on Holy Thursday by a few tired Eucharistic Adorers and an exhausted priest, so not the best presentation. But now I find myself looking forward to bedtime when normally I dread it. I have also slept well since I started praying it. Usually I am up several times a night and often can't get back to sleep for hours so I can't argue with added benefits like restful sleep. 

I don't know if I will ever have the discipline to pray the entire Liturgy of the Hours but I think Night Prayer is here to stay. 

Our Lady of Kyiv

 Our Lady of Kyiv, pray for us.

Amen

Fasting and Praying

Found online today:  Fasting and prayer were very important to me not because I was trying to earn the answer I wanted but because I was very much in need of time with God to deal with the situation, how I felt about it, and how it was affecting my family.

That really struck me. 

Do I fast and pray to earn the answer I want?

Think about it.

Love Thy Neighbour

The daily readings were powerful today. I mean, they are always powerful, but with everything going on in Ukraine they seemed especially relevant. The cycle of readings was chosen long before current events so it is always interesting to see how the lectionary unfolds in relation to that. 

We are not supposed to add to or subtract from the Scriptures, but Psalm 19 had me thinking on the words law, decree, precepts, command, fear and ordinances. (This is the wording in WAU magazine this month which is the American version, your mileage may vary.) I thought, what if we exchanged the word "love" for law, decree, etc. The Lord's system of regulations always come from His affection and attachment to us so I don't think it goes against the essence of what was written.

After I finished the readings I looked over Bp. Barron's Lenten Gospel Reflections (thanks, Lynn!) Bp. Barron says a writer was once speaking with Mother Teresa about the source of her spirituality and mission. She asked him to place his hand on the table. She reached out and as she touched each finger she said, "you did it to me." 

Love your neighbour, friends. Even if they are horrible people, maybe especially if they are. Love conquered sin, Jesus promised good will prevail over evil. When you watch the news pray not only for the refugees, the ones left to fight, the innocent victims, but also for their oppressors. I pray that one day you will be in heaven and they, all of them, will be thanking you for doing that. 

Illumination