Tuesday of the Second Week in Lent

Readings of the Day

Stop. Just stop!

I wonder about Isaiah’s and Jesus’ demeanor as they relayed their respective messages shared in today’s scripture. Frustration, pleading, exhaustion, anger, matter-of-fact? All possible. All understandable.

Cease doing evil.

Do not be like them!

It is refreshing to read scripture as clear as today’s readings. They weren’t hard to figure out. But that doesn’t mean they made me happy. They actually stung. I am a sinner, a pharisee. I have led people astray due to my sin. In my pride and selfishness, I am sure I have excluded those who needed to be at the table.

I am 42 today and, hopefully, “better” than I was ten years ago, and even better than I was ten years before that. Today, I work with you, the awesome Catholic Charities team across the country, to make sure everyone gets a seat at the table. We advocate. Share resources. Invite others to participate. Change lives. But today’s scripture reminds us to pay attention to our sin, to our propensity to make ourselves better recognized, adored.

So, what should we stop today?

• Stop hating _________. Forgive him.
• Stop neglecting ______. Put down your phone and self-imposed busyness and pay attention.
• Stop barreling over _______. Make room for him. You can accomplish more together.
• Stop talking about ____________. Help her instead.
• Stop judging ____________. Did you forget who you were ten years ago?

Did I get everyone? …Great.

Now, let us admit our sin and turn from evil. Let us humble ourselves and be willing to change.

Sign up to receive the Daily Lent Reflection emails and other CCUSA messages here.