A Word for Meditation

From today's Liturgy of the Hours, from the 2nd reading of the Office of Readings [St. Irenaeus' Against Heresies]:

This is the glory of man: to persevere and remain in the service of God. For this reason the Lord told His disciples: You did not choose me, but I chose you. He meant that His disciples did not glorify Him by following Him, but in following the Son of God they were glorified by Him. As he said: I wish that where I am they also may be, that they may see my glory.

...and from the Prayer of today's Morning Prayer:

Father, look upon our weakness and reach out to help us with your loving power.

A Word for Meditation

From today's Liturgy of the Hours, the Reading for Evening Prayer:

"Submit to God; resist the devil and he will take flight. Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you backsliders. Be humbled in the sight of the Lord and He will raise you on high." [James 4:7-8, 10]

...good words for Lent. Maybe we should take these words and read them a few times each day.

A Word for Meditation

From the Liturgy of the Hours, the Office of Readings for today, Ash Wednesday:

"This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own." [Is 58:6-7]

...and from the Intercessions in today's Morning Prayer:

"Teach us to be loving not only in great and exceptional moments, but above all in the ordinary events of daily life."

And, remember, it's not what you give up for Lent that's important; it's what you give...in secret. It is in giving to others that we give up of ourselves.