Lenten Meditation for March 4th 2017

In Jesus, God saves us by becoming so vulnerable that we are able to kill him in a vile and humiliating way. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus assure us that God’s offer of friendship will never be withdrawn, no matter what we do. If the cross did not result in a withdrawal of the offer, then nothing we do will lead to a change of God’s heart. We can, however, refuse the offer. Friendship is a mutual relationship, and a person has to accept the offer; he or she cannot be coerced or tricked into it. And any human being’s final refusal of God’s friendship breaks God’s heart. Still, God does not turn away from such a person in anger and rage. God lives eternally with a broken heart. That’s how vulnerable God wants to be.

Loving God, I pray for the wisdom to never turn away from your friendship or take advantage of your love for me.

           —William A. Barry, SJ, in Lenten Meditations: Growing in Friendship with God


In the political situation we in our country find ourselves in today, it can be difficult to be vulnerable.  It's much easier to be harsh or condemning.   I've heard of people blocking others from their Face Book feeds.  I've heard o friendships ending... even marriages ending... all because of people holding differing political positions.

I totally understand about being committed to a perspective - the ramifications affect very practical aspects of life in the real-world.   And yet, in the middle of all this - we must remember we are Children of God... and so are the people around us.  

We will only hurt ourselves all the more if we do not learn to replace "anger and rage" with "mutual relationship".  



The First Four Days of Lent
Saturday
After Ash Wednesday

Loving creator, 
I am not asking to overcome my weakness,
but to use it in some way to glorify you.

Let me be aware of
the many ways you reach out to help me today
and let me stand in awe of the power
that you use in such loving ways.

From:  http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/Daily-prayers-00.html