3rd Day of Lent

Psalm 103 (New International Version)
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-
18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.

Two days ago we celebrated Ash Wednesday when we reflected on our humanity. The ashes are a symbol of the fact that “we are dust”. In this life, as human beings we experience weakness and frailty (“we are dust”). However, there will come a time when we are no longer here. Psalm 103 encourages us that our human frailty is not a problem to God. Reflect on these questions for a few moments:
• What are some ways in which you feel weak?
• How does that weakness make you feel about yourself and why?
• How do you think God feels about your weakness?
During this season of Lent, we want to address areas of our lives that we would like to change. These might be areas where we consider ourselves weak. True change begins with love. It’s God’s compassion for us and acceptance of us that sets us free on the pathway of transformation. We don’t change out of a sense of fear but rather because God wants the very best for God’s children. Lent is not about placating an angry God but about submitting to the love and discipline of a compassionate Father. In this kind of change there is deep joy.

Please add an entry to this blog to share any thoughts or reflections about today’s Lenten devotion.