Thursday of the First Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

I can be tempted to question whether my asking makes a difference. I frame it from the perspective that I am not even asking for me, I am asking for others. That I am not even asking for things that are wanted, but things that are needed. Basic things, such as food, warm clothing or a place to stay, so shouldn’t these be granted over other requests?  

In prayer I am continually humbled with reminders that I am not in control; that I may not see the requests answered; that I may be looking in the wrong places to see the answers; that the answers I am expecting are not the way God wants to respond; that my timing is not God’s; and the list goes on. I am humbled, but I know God will respond and my asking is not inconsequential, so I go on asking. I petition to God, and then my asking grows as I ask others to join in our mission through their time, their skills, and their resources. I ask to educate others and work towards systemic change. 

Asking and petitions are essential for change for those we serve, and yet Jesus calls us even further: “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.” For us to be able to serve others and strive towards fulfilling our petitions, we need to also adhere to our Lenten practices of fasting and almsgiving. By fasting I free myself from the areas of my life that are holding me back, so I can more fully respond to my petitions with my talents and skills. I further commit myself through almsgiving by giving of my materials and fiscal resources. Change requires my engaging all three so that God can best utilize my free will for His purposes, not my best-intentioned requests. 

This Lent let us faithfully commit ourselves to all three areas and see how they transform us and our communities. We may not fully understand how all our petitions are answered, but we trust that the One who has overcome death will bring them to fruition according to His plan by using our mustard seed of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Michael Smith is Chief Program Office at Catholic Charities Maine.

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