With Contrite and Humble Spirit

With Contrite and Humble Spirit

March 5 2012

Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent

By Beth DeCristofaro

But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received… (Daniel 3:39)

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. ( Matthew 18:21-22)

Piety

God of infinite love,
I thank you for this reminder of your love
and your call that we be more patient,
gentle and compassionate with others.
Here in the middle of Lent,
I turn to you to beg for your help.
Please soften my heart.
Help me to let go of judging others.
I ask you this, in Jesus' name

http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/3rd-week.html#tue

Study

Jesus’ admonition is one with which I agree and delight in theoretically yet struggle with applying.  Forgive each sin against me 70 times?  My younger brother died unexpectedly at the age of 37, at a time when he and I did not see eye to eye on anything.  In fact, we argued so much that we chose not to see each other often.  It was a pretty barren relationship and I was most definitely as wrong as he was.  We never put things to right before his death.  I just could not step up to contrition and humility.  I played the part of the unforgiving servant, relegating my brother to prison until he admitted how incorrect he was.  I chose to be right rather than to love.

So what does it matter now who was right?   

The idea that God forgives me again and again is heartwarming although I spend an awful lot of time beating myself up over many wrongs.  It is difficult for me to believe wholeheartedly in the extravagant mercy of God because I am still learning how to be generous with my forgiveness. But I find that a contrite heart and a humble spirit help me with that as well.    Perhaps it is the Holy Spirit’s direction that I have so many chances to practice forgiveness, seventy-seven times over.

Action

Here in the middle of Lent, pause and take stock.  How has your Lenten journey brought you closer to God?  Closer to your own inner holiness?  Closer to your Sisters and Brothers in Christ?