Monday in the Second Week in Lent
Have you ever noticed how virtues and vices tend to travel in pairs or small groups? This sounds a little funny, but it’s true. For instance, when you see a person engaging in an act of kindness you almost always see generosity and patience and some other virtues operating as well. Likewise, when you hear someone make a remark that is judgmental there is nearly always condemnation and a lack of mercy involved. Unforgiveness has a tendency to associate with that group as well. The point is that vices and virtues do not normally operate individually or exclusive of one another, but rather present themselves together--in the form of a “movement” or an overall disposition of heart.
Today’s first reading certainly reveals a disposition of heart. These verses from the Book of the prophet Daniel are an earnest prayer of repentance (Dn 9:4b-10). He is interceding for all of the people of Israel for their disobedience, rebellion, and disregard of their covenant with God. “We are shamefaced…we are shamefaced” he confesses repeatedly (Dn 9:7, 8). He makes no excuses. The disposition of Daniel’s heart is revealed in the honesty, openness, and humility of his prayer. Daniel’s heart is laid wide open before God.
In the Gospel reading, from Luke’s Sermon on the Plain (Lk 6:36-38), Jesus seems to be talking about disposition of heart as well. He commands us to stop being unmerciful, stop judging, stop condemning, and stop withholding forgiveness (Lk 6:37) Jesus is saying that there is no room in the Kingdom of God for a heart that is contracted and closed in upon itself, unwilling to grant forgiveness or mercy to others-- unable to give or receive love. Jesus is asking for more than just dropping some nasty habits. He is asking for a complete turn of heart. He wants a heart turned toward God. He wants a heart open to give love and receive love. This is a heart ready to receive the grace necessary to respond in the way God responds, to love in the way God loves, and to receive what God is so ready to give. The last verse in Luke’s passage goes on to tell us that those who respond with this disposition of heart will receive “a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, … poured into your lap” (Lk 6:38). What an amazing image of abundance!
These days of Lenten reflection, penance, and sacrifice are meant lead us to this deeper conversion of heart. Individual thoughts, words, and actions are surely important and must be attended. But identifying longstanding patterns and habits of thinking, responding, and behaving can reveal how one’s heart is disposed at a much deeper level. This is very challenging spiritual work. But becoming aware of areas of our hearts that are not fully turned toward God and prevent us from fully participating in the life of God is a very, very special grace. Let us beg for that grace this day.
Oh, Holy Living God
I desire to turn my heart completely towards you.
Grant me a deep awareness of the ways in which
my heart can be more fully disposed towards you.
And grant me the grace to be a reflection of your heart
in my thoughts, words, and actions toward every person I meet today.
I ask this with the intercession of the Blessed Mother,
Through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen
- Gail Lyman