Our First Reading is interesting. To me it has long lasting reach and it is almost as if Moses is speaking to me today. I reflect on this and connect to my own life and my departure as a young man from family, being a wanderer, then finding a new home to plant my roots and make a family here in Flanders. There have been so many times of trial; I have been mistreated and struggled greatly in business and life. I too cried out to the Lord for help, asking for strength to endure it. While I did not look for revenge, I tried to pray for and forgive those who persecuted me. That was not easy, but by doing so He bestowed amazing gifts, showering them upon me in sight of those who mistreated and took advantage of me.
Can you relate to this in your life? Have you struggled and been mistreated and instead of retaliating, have you given that to God and prayed for and forgiven them? Maybe we can take a moment and perform an act of love for God and forgive those who mistreat us now.
In our Responsorial Psalm, we again ask for Jesus to be with us when we are in trouble. We tell Him we trust in Him, admitting that nothing can occur that does not please Him. Furthermore, nothing can touch nor hurt Him, and if He clings to us, then nothing can touch us either. I know He is with me always, but sometimes I doubt. I don’t mean to doubt Him, but he “acknowledges my name” even though I do doubt. Then, He calls on me again and I answer Him by again taking up the cross. It is ok to struggle and even stumble. Are there times you can think of where you doubted? Can you recall the times He acknowledged your name and you picked up your cross again?
In the Second Reading, I am reminded that my words and heart are aligned with Jesus and I will be saved. He will not allow me to be cast aside, but be saved and He will prepare a place for me. Also, there is no distinction from God as to one type of person on Earth to another. We are all made in His image and the love He has for me is the same as He has for my enemy. That stings a little, honestly, but I realize that it is my part to spread God’s love and I must forgive them. How does this reading speak to you? Is there a change you can make this Lent to be saved?
In today’s Gospel, to me, Jesus is handing over a road map on how to endure trials and struggles in life. Who better than the Son of God being tempted by the devil to illustrate to us how to respond? I get so excited at these three points:
So, in my oversimplifying way, that’s it. Put it all in God’s hands and stop worrying about things we have no control over anyway. Just keep praising and believing in God and act according to His commands and we will be saved. Notice the word “easy” was never used nor referred to. Also, I may even help to save others by “living” in Him this way and performing those acts that would allow me to be accused and convicted in any court of being a disciple of God. How does this Gospel speak to you?
~ Ray Martinelli