Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Are you finding yourself a bit worn and tired at this stage of the Lenten journey? Is your patience with yourself and others near running out? If so, you’re in good company with the Israelites journeying with Moses through the harsh desert lands - missing their choice beverages and foods and drinking water.
Their disgust with the wretched food and complaints to Moses, reminds me of the struggles parents often have with young children at meal and bedtime hours. I recall a friend’s dear child, Robin, who would make terrible faces and whimper when presented with Tofu and other healthy foods the rest of us were eating. We all want something that is our choice.
As adults, we still confront a stubbornness in ourselves when we don’t get our way or preferences. When life feels too demanding and we’re over-tired, it’s hard to respond with kindness and patience.
The Scripture story assures us that complaining is a natural part of the human story. Also, the experience with the biting serpents reminded the Israelites, and is a lesson to us - that things could be worse; many others in our world experience many worse hardships. Through their trials, the people of Israel confessed their sin of not trusting God and Moses, nor appreciating the nourishment and safety they did have.
Lent is a season to continue growing in our prayer, and directing our complaints to God with an open ear and heart, confident that God’s patience does NOT run out. Over time and through honest prayer dialogue with God, our attitudes can be transformed as we grow in our faith-filled following of Jesus.
Thirty years later, Robin is a vegetarian and leading environmental programs for young people which includes eating healthily and sustainably. She has channeled her beautiful strong spirit in service of Caring for our Common Home. She fondly smiles, remembering her three-year old self.
Let us gently smile with our foibles as we join with the prayer of the psalmist: “O Lord, hear my prayer, let my cry come to you” Together, let us renew our hope for new life as we journey the last segment of Lent.
—Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI