As we embark on the second week of Lent, thank you for tuning in!
Today’s readings spoke to me in a way that I just wanted to shout a big old AMEN! The first reading has God asking us to reject false gods and to instead act with justice. The Psalm repeats the theme. The Gospel further exposes the hypocrisy and draws attention to our need for humility. It appears to be the quintessential ‘actions speak louder than words’ moment for me.
In these divided times, it often seems easy to cast aspersions. My side is holier than yours. We’re doing the work instead of just talking about it. I rarely find solace in the online banter.
But then I saw a clip from Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show featuring an interview with James Talarico. In their discussion, they talk about the separation of church and state and about not aligning God with a political party. It was a moment online when I saw a Catholic comedian and a Presbyterian seminarian political candidate talk about how God is bigger than political parties (admittedly, the rest of the interview is pretty political). But I appreciated how they pulled God up and out of the political mayhem and re-centered God. A living example in a small moment online.
A few weeks ago, Pope Leo issued his prayer for us this Lent
Dear friends, let us ask for the grace of a Lent that leads us to greater attentiveness to God and to the least among us. Let us ask for the strength that comes from the type of fasting that also extends to our use of language, so that hurtful words may diminish and give way to a greater space for the voice of others. Let us strive to make our communities places where the cry of those who suffer finds welcome, and listening opens paths towards liberation, making us ready and eager to contribute to building a civilization of love.
Perhaps you are someone who abstains from something in Lent, or maybe you try to do something positive instead. I appreciate that the Pope calls us to both…a call to “and”. Let us continue to quiet our hearts this Lent to recenter ourselves on our relationship with God. And may we quiet the “us vs them” banter to hear the cry of the poor….whoever that may be for you at this moment in time.
Peace be with you.
Michele Bogard
As a product of formal Catholic education for 12 years, I truly believe my faith formation has come from working at Creighton University for the past quarter of century. Originally from the Chicago suburbs, I came to Creighton thinking that I would be in Omaha for a year or two and then move home. Little did I know how Creighton and Ignatian spirituality would alter my life plans! From accompanying students on Campus Ministry retreats, learning from former student/staff members who are now Jesuits, to working the Spiritual Exercises with the Deglman Center, I attempt to be a lifelong learner.
At work, I hope to help foster experiences where students feel a sense of belonging and focus on wellbeing, At home, I am a mother to a son who is a great source of joy, laughter and sore muscles (I am not an effective goalie for our front yard soccer practices and my tennis game is pretty rusty). A new gifted Kindle will hopefully help me catch up with a backlogged list of books I’ve been wanting to read. Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a favorite author. Travel is a lifetime passion; my son and I are already planning our next adventure.
I look forward to learning together with you as we reflect on the daily readings together.
