A Season to Listen

A Reflection on the Psalm for March 7th, 2021:
Third Sunday of Lent

---

​Psalm 19

R. Lord, you have the words of eternal life.

​The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple. 

R. Lord, you have the words of eternal life.

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes. 

R. Lord, you have the words of eternal life.

The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are · true and righteous altogether. 

R. Lord, you have the words of eternal life.

More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. 

R. Lord, you have the words of eternal life.

Pause. Pray.

And then read more...

I love how the psalmist reminds us of who God is, inviting us to participate in praising Him. When we feel as if God’s laws are burdensome, we can choose to remain faithful and trust that they are gifted out of His perfect love and for our freedom. When we feel lost and unsure of what choice to make, in any situation, we can turn to Him with confidence that His commandments are simple — and though they may not be easy, we know that what He asks of us is not impossible when we rely on His strength.

This season of lent is a perfect time for listening to God’s Word, as the Church invites us to take on or give up practices to help us listen with open and contrite hearts. In a spirit of repentance, we make willing sacrifices and create opportunities to be reminded of His presence and gift-of-self to us. Acknowledging that He is our highest value and reward and that all we possess comes from Him, we give alms and reorient ourselves to what is most important in life. In times of silence and prayer, we open our hearts to the wisdom, freedom, and joy that He wants to give us by the words He speaks to us.

We are approaching the third Sunday of Lent, and it is not too late to make an examination of conscience and consider how well we are communing with Christ. What is your disposition now, compared to when you began your journey on Ash Wednesday? As Catherine Doherty, servant of God, said frequently, “With God, every moment is the moment of beginning again.” Today, let’s renew our resolve to open our ears and our hearts to the words of eternal life, and to dedicate ourselves to the tasks of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer with joy in our hearts and expectant faith.




Kendra L.

---