March 15th, by Kaley Madrid: Senior

March 15, 2022
Kaley Madrid: Senior
Isaiah 1:10, 16-20/Mt 23:1-12

Lenten Reflection

 The readings speak of turning away from wicked ways and repenting, not only because of the
sins and wrongdoings which have been committed, but also so one might be freer to serve others
rather than serve oneself.  In the First Reading, Isaiah addresses the people of Israel.  He urges
them to forsake their evil ways and change their lives.  The psalm reiterates this message and
proclaims that what God wants of us are lives of service, not just rituals – doing what is right, not
doing of rites/rituals.  In the Gospel, Jesus proclaims that the only one worthy of being Ruler
and Father is God.  Everyone else must follow the example which Jesus, The Only Teacher, sets
for us as He lives His life as a servant-leader. From the Gospel passage, what I got is that we
must serve everyone around us with modesty and honesty and without selfishness and vanity.
This ties in with the season of Lent because during Lent we must walk together with Christ and
feel the same pain he felt those 40 days.
During Lent, most people chose to sacrifice or abstain from certain things that bring them
pleasure or satisfy them. Not only do people give up certain things for Lent but they also try to
do more things like pray more, give money to the ones in need, volunteer, and many more things.
I believe that Lent should be a time when we do more instead of less. In today’s readings, I hear
a call for me to be a humble servant who seeks to manifest to others the presence of God Who is
with me. Instead of giving up something as simple as sweets or unhealthy food we should
implement more positive habits into our life like being more kind, giving money to the church,
praying every night, etc. I say it again that this Lent we should start new habits that would make
a positive change in our life and in the life of others instead of just giving up a small simple thing
for Lent. Especially during these tough times with what is happening in Ukraine, it is important
that we do not act selfishly. But we should try to help however we could even if it is just praying
for the people who have been affected by the war.