Ultimately, we are all called to love each other as God loves us. In this third week of Lent, the scripture readings remind us to love in the ordinary and love the ordinary. In 2 Kings 5: 1-5 the prophet Elisha instructed Naaman to wash himself in the Jordon River x 7 to be healed from his leprosy; initially Naaman the Syrian was taken back expecting a ‘jubilee experience with this healing” but instead a quiet miracle occurred - and a conversion for Naaman the Syrian. In Luke 4: 24-31 Jesus is shunned in his own town of Nazareth with disbelievers whose image of the Messiah is “circumscribed expecting the extraordinary not the ordinary”. The townspeople who falsely believe the Messiah could not be Jesus their “hometown boy” who was simply the son of a carpenter.
The scripture readings during Lent ask us to take action to deepen our relationship with God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, which, for me, in simplicity means to deepen my ability to love others.
To not seek the extraordinary but to open my eyes to the ordinary presence of God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. For example: Thanking God when I awake to a new day; to appreciate the morning Sun warming the earth or the beautiful Robins chirping, signaling Spring will soon be here.
To not seek the extraordinary but to open my eyes to the ordinary presence of God, the Son and the Holy Spirit. For example: Thanking God for an ordinary workday - a safe commute to work - welcoming my fellow work colleagues - thanking God for a productive work meeting - managing a work conflict with love and grace - enjoying lunch in solitude or having meaningful conversations with work friends. An afternoon filled with the ability to use my gifts and talents.
To not seek the extraordinary but to open my eyes to the ordinary presence of God, the Son and the Holy Spirit in the hearts of those I encounter throughout the day. For example: To listen with understanding, to care and be engaged, to exhibit presence, to be responsive…as the day progresses to be aware of the ordinary ways to demonstrate love and gratitude.
Overall, to see the love and graces in the ordinary and recognize how God is in the hearts of those all around us. Lent is a time to deepen our experiences in loving God and loving each other, and examining how to be a true disciple of that love.
Cindy Costanzo
I have worked at Creighton University since 2005 as a full-time associate professor in the College of Nursing (CON), graduate school, and College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE). In 2023, I transitioned to part-time as a adjunct associate professor in CPCE within the Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Education department. I love working with doctoral students as they journey toward their terminal degree.
Reading and writing reflections for this ministry augments my daily meditation and allows me to grow closer to Jesus. Spending this time in prayer and meditation over the past several years has transformed me in ways I am forever grateful.
