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Prayer requires both intention and attention. The way we approach
an activity signals what we intend, what it means. If I seek to find
God in my walk through the woods, my walk becomes a prayer. If I
open myself to God's presence with a friend, our discussion becomes a
prayer . . . Yet if I walk to get my heart rate up, or spend time
with my friend because I like her . . . these activities--healthy
enjoyable, and productive thought they may be--are not prayer.
- Jane Vennard, Embracing the World -
(On this first day of Lent, may you seek to find God during formal times of prayer, and throughout the day.)
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IS 58:1-9; PS 51:3-6, 18-19; MT 9:14-15 R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
"Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight."
For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. USCCB Lectionary
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Sometimes, the change in our attitude, in our compassion and love, begins close to home - loving our family members better. Today and every Friday of Lent could be special days of practicing special care for those we need to love with more appreciation and sensitive, thoughtful care. That love and compassion can then spread out, allowing us to examine our consciences about how we can act more justly in our hearts, in our choices, in our generosity. This Lent can become a time in which our hearts are drawn closer to our Lord's own heart - and the blessing he promises us: if we die to ourselves we will find ourselves. - by Andy Alexander, S.J.
Creighton Online Ministries
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On Cleaving to God, by St. Albert the Great
So let us commit everything with full assurance, in general and in particular, confidently and unhesitatingly to divine providence, by which God permits however much and whatever sort of evil to happen to us. For it is good and will lead to good, since he permits it to exist, and it would not exist unless he permitted it to exist. Nor could it exist otherwise or more than he permits it to, because he knows how to, has the power to, and wills to change and convert it into something better. - Chapter 16. How God's providence includes everything.
Paperback (Kindle edition available)
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