The readings remind us that we have started Lent and provide answers and directions to the questions we so often have as we prepare for Lent and all the suffering and glory that is part of that season and Easter. Just a week or so ago I was asking myself these very questions so being assigned this particular day with the focus of these readings is once again a blessing to me.
The first reading is very explicit regarding fast and how one needs to approach it. While the first part seemed very typical to me of Old Testament reading, I must admit to thinking that the last part seemed so New Testament in its emphasis of sharing the bread and clothing the naked. I could imagine those words coming from the lips of Jesus. As a child approaching Lent, I always asked myself (and sometimes even my mom), “What should I give up for Lent?” At that point in my life, the sacrifices to be made during Lent were related to “giving up” something I really wanted – candy, desserts, games, TV shows – it frequently was connected with a food sacrifice. Later in life, my sacrifices expanded to not only include giving up something but also adding something. What could I be doing extra during Lent? At that time, my “extra” revolved around saying the rosary daily, going to mass daily, or attending the Stations of the Cross. I still tried to “give up” something by this point I usually had a secondary gain from what I “sacrificed.” I could give up the sweets and gain being healthier and perhaps a modest weight lost because of the sacrifice. This year as I approached Lent I thought again about what to give up with a little different twist (perhaps I am finally maturing in my “later years!”) – what do I give up that is keeping me from the most important values in my life and from having a closer relationship with God. What are the distracters in my life – distracters that take precious time away from genuine time with family? What are the distracters that steal from time to engage in a more authentic relationship with God and my preparation for eternal life with him? A very different approach for me.… Now with these readings in mind, I am challenged to examine anew “the what extra” I should be doing as well. Who do I need to serve better this time to demonstrate the love of the Lord – to manifest what we have been taught and the sacrifices that were made for us?
The responsorial psalm focuses on attention on an honest and sincere seeking of forgiveness. It speaks of a contrite heart. We can only truly arrive at a contrite heart by first examining our own sins against God and others. Once again, I am reminded of the 4th and 5th steps in the 12 steps of recovery used in so many self-help groups. The 4th step addresses the need to do a searching and fearless moral inventory. Wow – easier said then done especially when you know the 5th step will follow with its expectation that you will share that inventory with God and another human being. Hmmm.…sounds as though one is getting ready for Reconciliation. How fascinating that the road to recovery emulates our road to salvation – no coincidence here! When we approach God with such authenticity and humbleness we will not be spurned but rather saved.
The gospel also answers questions about fasting. Here we are reminded to appreciate what we have when we have it. How often after the loss of a loved one do we hear, “I wish I had said, I wish I had done…” Jesus reminds us all to dance at the wedding, the bridegroom is still here but be prepared for when he is gone.
I am grateful once again for the opportunity to reflect upon these words that have allowed me to better answer my questions from a couple of weeks ago. How will I prepare for Lent? I know better now what to give up and what to do extra. No perfect answers but I believe moving in the right direction.
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
