Exodus 32: 7-14 The Golden Calf
Then the LORD said to Moses: Go down at once because your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt, have acted corruptly.
John 5: 31-47
But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.

The readings today are important for me during my Lenten journey and a reminder for me to stop, look and listen. Where in my own journey this past year have I stopped being a witness and become deaf and blind?  Today’s readings hold messages that relate to my human imperfection and the need to stop, look and listen. How do I worship the Golden Calf and obsess over money (or lack thereof), material goods, labels, positions, and/or status? Or perhaps my Golden Calf is my busy-ness. My lack of discipline where I allow distractions to take me away from my quiet listening time with God. Or perhaps it is my conscious decision to be a ‘sloth’ where I intentionally withdraw and disengage. When I worship the Golden Calf or am distracted or disengage then the sacredness of everyday life and messages from God pass me by.

So my Lenten journey brings awareness of my human imperfection to the forefront. I intentionally set time for prayer and reflection and to listen quietly with God at my side. It is a holy time for me. I need daily time with God. I find myself renewed and reenergized. The time resets my compass, directs me and stops my wandering. I am able to see the “Golden Calves” in my own life and my heart opens to a stronger and faithful relationship with God.