Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

“Do not babble like the pagans…”

I must admit that as I read and reflect on today’s Gospel, these words remind me of the times when I have been guilty of sitting across from someone and babbled off words that poured from my mouth just because I really didn’t know what else to say.  Jesus tells his disciples that their prayers shouldn’t be like that of the pagans, who think that they will be heard only if they are making noise.  Is your praying taking you to a deeper level or is it routine, just making noise?  Do you get distracted and forget the meaning of the words that you are praying?  Do the words that you are praying slip off your tongue as you rush to move on to other things?  These are questions that come to me as I try to pray all my prayers for the day. 

Jesus, in his loving goodness and mercy, instructs his disciples and he instructs us as well: “This is how you are to pray….”.  Our Father, who art in heaven,

Just like the times when I enter adoration, making sure to praise and glorify Him first – Hallowed be thy name.

Which then leads me to ask, in a spirit of hospitality, what can I do for you today, Jesus? Thy Kingdom come; thy will be done.

When God reveals His will, I in turn ask for the strength to accomplish it - Give us this day our daily bread.

Sometimes I know that accomplishing His will is going to be difficult, especially when I have not forgiven or asked for forgiveness – Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Finally, I know that all the evil spirits will try to convince me that accomplishing God’s will is not that important – Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

Brothers and sisters, this Lent is a time to be intentional about how we pray, how we live our lives, and how we serve those in need.  God is patiently waiting for us.  He knows everything we need even before we approach him.  May our prayers, fasting and almsgiving during Lent unleash the power and healing that God so longs to give us.  No words required.

Cynthia Quintanilla is Executive Director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Lubbock, Texas. Cynthia is also a part-time student at the Catholic Theological Union, pursuing a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies degree. In her spare time, Cynthia enjoys spending time with her three grandsons: Xander, 11; Saul, 5; and Brayson, 2 months.

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