Saturday of the Third Week of Lent
Readings of the Day
At the beginning of his papacy, many were asking Pope Francis who he was. The new leader of the global Church answered with a memorable line, “I am a sinner, but I trust in the infinite mercy and patience of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Quite a contrast from the words proclaimed by the Pharisee in today’s reading. The humility demonstrated by Pope Francis was nurtured during his work in the slums of Buenos Aires and has become a hallmark of his ministry around the globe.
Our world celebrates the loudest and the proudest, those that trumpet their accomplishments. Our Lord celebrates purity of heart, as noted in today’s psalm: “a humble, contrite heart, O God, you will not spurn.” Each Lent we discipline ourselves with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to draw ourselves closer to the mind of Christ. As we grow in communion, we grow in reverence and awe. John the Baptist summed it up beautifully: “He must increase, I must decrease.” In Christ, our motives are sanctified.
It’s not that accomplishments are bad - there’s much important work to do. Catholic Charities reaches out with care and compassion, bringing all the corporal and spiritual works of mercy to life. That’s critical and important work. But if we serve for affirmation or recognition, we’re missing the point.
The essence of life is to be loved and to love in return. Let’s serve not to gain God’s love; He has loved us from the very beginning. Let’s serve to share God’s love, freely given, with those in need. The vulnerable and the voiceless – those whose cries frequently fall on deaf ears. The poor, the oppressed, the lonely – those craving to be recognized and accompanied. And, when we celebrate, let’s focus on how God is alive and working in the world today. It’s a way to draw others in. It’s a way to share the good news. It’s a way to evangelize to our end of the earth.
We are all sinners, but our God is patient and infinitely merciful. May this Lent draw us closer to him so that we might humbly work to bring his love to the world. As a deacon, I have the great honor each week at the end of Mass to send the faithful forth to live their faith. May God continue to accomplish his good work through us.
Deacon Scott Haner is a permanent deacon from the Archdiocese of Louisville who serves on the Board of Catholic Charities of Louisville. 
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