Teachings about Almsgiving, Prayer and Fasting
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
A Holey Time
Most days I invite a space,
a hole in my day,
in my life
to listen,
to be with God,
to be with myself,
to ask God
“What is it you wish for this day,
for this life you have created,
that you sustain,
that you love?”
And sometimes a clear answer comes,
a direct answer I mean,
but most often the answer is silent accommodating
and loving and of freedom
(perhaps more than I wish),
a question,
a mutuality,
a kiss,
a presence,
a gentleness and quietness.
“Well, what are you hoping for?” God asks.
And I wonder why God trusts me so much
when I feel sticky with self-interest
and ego and unfreedom,
holding an incredibly small view of existence
and what is important.
Oh God I beg you,
make the hole in my day,
my heart and my life
bigger,
that it may be filled,
that all of me may be filled
with you.
Praise you, Jesus – now and forever!
Reflection and Prayer
Recall a specific place and time when you felt especially close to God. Perhaps it was in the woods, in the mountains, at the ocean, in church, at a retreat center, etc. Go there in your imagination and rest in that experience. What can you see, hear, taste, smell and feel? Again, take your time and receive that special experience once more, let it deepen into you. Now become aware that Jesus is there with you, sitting beside you. Welcome him. Share the beauty of this special place with him in silence for a while.
When you are ready, get in touch with your deep desire for this coming season of Lent, the longing of your heart and soul. Is there a color, word, phrase, image or song that resonates with your desire? Sit with this for a while.
Jesus knows. He knows your deep yearning before you could even express it. Tell him now and notice his
reaction. Allow him to tell you what his deep desire is for you this Lent. Receive it. How does this affect the color, image, word or song from above? Rest with this for a moment.
There is power in making something tangible, so do this with your/Jesus’ sacred intention. You could post an image in a place where you will see it often, tie a ribbon on your purse or steering wheel, draw the image or write the phrase on a card and use it as a bookmark. Ask God to guide you in how to enter into this intention with your whole heart, mind, body and spirit.