On Ash Wednesday, Father Leo Polselli got us off to a great start! He used the image of millions of people gathering for a race, in our case, the Boston Marathon that takes place each springtime.
He spoke of the excitement and energy exhibited as the starter’s gun fires and the runners surge past the starting line with the sole desire of completing the race to the best of their ability. For some,
this is to be first across the finish line; for others, it is to attain a personal best, and still, for others, it is to complete the 26.2 miles by the end of the day.
As we’ve begun this Lenten journey, we can remember running this race many times before, some years with great difficulty and others with greater confidence. This Lenten journey with Jesus, our family, and friends requires that we’re on the same course as Jesus, understanding what He is calling us to do for others.
In our first reading from Isaiah, we’re reminded of the possibility of asking God for help, receiving it, and yet not helping others. God wants to inspire us to work to free people unjustly oppressed, to help feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and clothe the naked. And, each one of us is called to do this to our ability. In this reading, the line that struck me was, “…and not turning your back on your own when you see them.”
At times, we can be like the rich man who saw Lazarus at his doorstep every day and yet failed even to offer him a cup of water. Sure, there are people in need of shelter, clothing, and food who we should help. But there are also people who need the warmth of our attention and company; people who are starved to hear us say, we’re sorry and really mean it; just as there are people whose spirits can be lifted by our lending a hand and unburdening them by helping them with their grocery shopping or giving them a lift to the doctors, and countless other acts of charity.
Jesus calls us to have generous hearts that both see and act with compassion and love, as our Heavenly Father does for us. In Lent, we look at our lives, our relationship with God, so that we can be more like Him. We fast from foods and activities to sacrifice our wants and direct our attention and resources to serve God and others. Lent is about God and us, but it doesn’t stop there; it is about becoming holy, as God has made us, growing in virtue so that we become more and more like God in whose image we are made and serve Him as we look out for our brothers and sisters; especially those in most need.
