Lent Day # 20

Not at the half way point yet, but overall, I have been able to focus and try to make this a meaningful Lenten Season. Another snowy day in Cleveland. The week kicks off with what has been a daily event of late, shoveling the snow. Great exercise, for the young and in shape! However, shoveling time is also a great time to reflect, let go, and forget everything for the duration of the shoveling drill.



This week's reflections hit close to home, literally. 2 Kgs 5:1-15b; Lk 4:24-30. Today's reflection speaks of Jesus being rejected by those closest to him. And it is so true. I often wonder why we bend over backwards for strangers, those we meet but once along the way. Yet, we feud on a regular basis and hurt the greatest those we love the most. A puzzle I have been mulling over for years!



I do not have the answer. However, a perfect time of the year, of the Lenten Season, to try and "forgive" or just peacefully co-exist with those closest to us. I can honestly say, I would die for my family and dearest friends. Maybe I should try harder to "love" them, show them I love them and treat them as I oftentimes treat "strangers."



This new insight follows in stride with the second lesson for this day. Open your mind. Pilate could have gone either way. He knew what would happen with either decision he made. Instead of choosing the truth, he chose what made him the most popular. We are asked today to open our minds TO the truth. If we do what we know is right, we will find happiness and peace.



Isn't that the truth! We have decisions to make. We know what we WANT to do and what we SHOULD do. Even if we are afraid to do the right thing, when we choose it, we feel good. We get a warming effect over our inner soul.



We just need to be strong enough, gutsy enough to do what God wants us to do, and everything will fall into place. I truly believe that with every move I make. However, it's not as easy as it sounds.

One final thought from the Saginaw Diocese, the little black book lessons. In years past, the day and night were not defined as they are today. We go from midnight to midnight. In years past, some generations ended their day at dusk. Some generations ended their day at noon. As you can see, nothing is just plain black and white and events change through time. You can throw out a topic to a dozen folks, and you will get a dozen different responses. That is why we just need to stick to our convictions. Follow our head. Follow our heart. Follow what we believe is right. And stick to the reasoning "what would Jesus do?"

Let's open our minds, open our hearts, and follow Jesus' path through the streets of Jerusalem.