Saturday, March 01, 2008
From AscensionNYC
Saturday in the Third Week of Lent
by Candace Lombardi (from the 1998 Ascension Lenten Devotions)
Psalm 51:15-20
Hosea 6:1-6
Luke 18:9-14
I see today's passages as super-refined lenses through which God would have me view and consider my motivations in all that I do.
I have always been sure of my motivation to be baptized. I have always been sure of my motivation to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church and once there to become an acolyte and serve on various committees. But do I sometimes go about these tasks, pushing aside the fact that I wish to glorify Him in all these things, to wallow in the warmth of self-importance? Do I sometimes yield to the temptation of thinking, as the Pharisee in the Temple, that I'm better than the person sitting next to me on the subway because I'm so involved in the life of my church? Am I quick to mention that I'm involved in the Shelter Program or the Food Pantry so acquaintances and colleagues can stroke my ego and tell me what a good person I am? Oh, let me not be so foolhardy or shortsighted! Happily, God is present in the scriptures to guide me back on track when I stray, as it says in Luke, "for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
These passages are, also, wonderful reminders of what is truly important to God and, therefore, what is important to me. From time to time, I may fall into the indulgence of self-congratulations but I can also bask in self-pity. I look around at people whom I think are so spiritually centered, so sure of their faith, so willing to give of themselves and I despair I will ever be worthy enough in God's eyes. Again, the Lord provides the window through which I can see that comparisons are wasteful, meaningless exercises because we all have unique gifts to bring to the table. And while there may be some extraordinary people like Mother Teresa, there are many more ordinary people doing the best they can to lead productive, worthwhile lives. Incredibly, God embraces us all, so long as we seek to know Him and love Him with a steadfast heart.
Psalm 51:15-20
Hosea 6:1-6
Luke 18:9-14
I see today's passages as super-refined lenses through which God would have me view and consider my motivations in all that I do.
I have always been sure of my motivation to be baptized. I have always been sure of my motivation to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church and once there to become an acolyte and serve on various committees. But do I sometimes go about these tasks, pushing aside the fact that I wish to glorify Him in all these things, to wallow in the warmth of self-importance? Do I sometimes yield to the temptation of thinking, as the Pharisee in the Temple, that I'm better than the person sitting next to me on the subway because I'm so involved in the life of my church? Am I quick to mention that I'm involved in the Shelter Program or the Food Pantry so acquaintances and colleagues can stroke my ego and tell me what a good person I am? Oh, let me not be so foolhardy or shortsighted! Happily, God is present in the scriptures to guide me back on track when I stray, as it says in Luke, "for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
These passages are, also, wonderful reminders of what is truly important to God and, therefore, what is important to me. From time to time, I may fall into the indulgence of self-congratulations but I can also bask in self-pity. I look around at people whom I think are so spiritually centered, so sure of their faith, so willing to give of themselves and I despair I will ever be worthy enough in God's eyes. Again, the Lord provides the window through which I can see that comparisons are wasteful, meaningless exercises because we all have unique gifts to bring to the table. And while there may be some extraordinary people like Mother Teresa, there are many more ordinary people doing the best they can to lead productive, worthwhile lives. Incredibly, God embraces us all, so long as we seek to know Him and love Him with a steadfast heart.
