Monday of the Third Week of Lent
Lent is a time where we are called to grow in our relationship with God. But in order for us to deepen that friendship, we must be able to recognize His presence. I think it is easy to find God in awe inspiring things like the birth of a baby or a magnificent snow capped mountain, but finding God in the more ordinary parts of our lives is challenging. Both readings today encourage us to not become caught up in the amazing, but to see God in the simple, the ordinary and even mundane. If we have open hearts and minds, and the faith that God is present in all things, then we will recognize God’s great love, grace and mercy even in the small details of our lives.
In the first reading, Naaman is a soldier who comes to Elisha seeking healing from his leprosy. When Elisha instructs him to bathe in the Jordan River, Naaman is incensed to think that something so ordinary could be the source of his healing. Although he was expecting some spectacular display from the God of Elisha, Naaman cautiously steps forward and washes in the river and becomes clean. Because of his openness and trust, Naaman is no longer a leper and because of his faith he experiences the power of God who works this miracle through the waters of the Jordan River.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus is speaking to the people of Nazareth about their lack of faith. He speaks about the healing of Naaman and the widow of Sidon, and how God’s mercy and healing is experienced because of their trust in God. The people of Nazareth struggle to believe in Jesus because they know him as the boy down the street- Joseph and Mary’s son- the carpenter who made the table and chairs that they eat from every day. How could someone so ordinary be a source of grace and healing? Their lack of faith and close minded attitude prevent Jesus from showing them God’s loving presence and healing within the community. How disappointed Jesus must have been to realize that some of the people who knew Him so well would not be able to experience the grace and love He was coming to share.
I have had times in my life where God’s presence has been almost palpable, but trying to find God in the ordinary daily routine has been more challenging. Since growing in our relationship with God is an integral part of Lent, I chose to make a daily Examen as part of my daily prayer commitment to help me find God more readily in my everyday living. (For further information see: https://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/prayer/personal-prayer-life/different-ways-to-pray/prayerfully-reviewing-your-day-daily-examen)
I have tried praying the Examen in the past, but suffered greatly from rushing too quickly through the prayer, so this year I have used a spoken podcast every day to help me reflect back on my day. If you want to try this, follow the link: (https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2018/02/13/introducing-our-new-examen-podcast-father-james-martin)
Over the past several weeks, I have found that reflecting back daily has increased my awareness of little things where God revealed Himself. It might be a belly laugh from a baby, or a beautiful blue sky, but I am beginning to recognize these as God moments. As I go through my daily routine, I have noticed that little things that would have otherwise gone unnoticed, have become small glimpses into God’s presence right there. I am certain that God is always present and always trying to reveal Himself throughout my day, but I fail to find Him because I do not always seek, I do not trust that He is there, and I there are times I doubt His great love for me.
Today’s readings remind us that we must have open hearts and minds, as well as a firm belief that God can and will reveal His grace and healing even in the small details of our lives. To help me with this attitude, I am trying to begin each day with a prayer of petition- asking God to help me see Him and His grace in my daily activities. Although my days are oftentimes hectic and fast-paced, I hope and pray that God will hear my petition and I will be able to (as the psalm says) “behold the face of God” in places that will surprise and delight me. I believe that the more I recognize God’s presence, experience His love, and deepen my love for Him, the more I will begin to live heaven here on earth as I experience God at my side in the ordinary happenings of my daily living.
Father, you have made all of creation and it is good. Your Son, Jesus reveals that you are present to us always and Your love for us is great. Give us open minds and hearts to seek you and find you in the ordinary parts of our days. Allow Your Spirit of love to reveal your presence in our lives, so we can know You, love You and then share Your love with the world. We pray this through Christ our LORD. Amen.
- Marylynn Herchline