Today's Lenten Reflection from Fr. Joseph

Dear John,

The readings this week discuss our hearts, our interior lives. As we move closer to Holy Week, is my heart prepared for the journey to Calvary?

First reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34

Psalm: 51:3-4, 12-15

Second reading: Hebrews 5:7-9

Gospel: St. John 12:20-33

In today’s first reading, we hear about the new covenant that God promised to make. This covenant was eventually fulfilled in Jesus. In this new law, God says,

"I will put my law within them, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

- Jeremiah 31:33

This is a beautiful verse. Instead of only teaching us through prophets and Sacred Scripture, Our Lord is also writing the law on our hearts. This passage is very intimate because He truly outlines the relationship of Himself with His people. He claims us as His own. He is our God. We are His people.

Then in the Responsorial Psalm, King David pleads with God to give him a clean heart. In King David’s time, of course there was no sacramental Confession. However, in modern times, we have no reason to avoid the gift of Confession. There is no easier way for God to “create a clean heart” in us than by a visit to the confessional. In preparation for Easter, it is a good idea for us to go to Confession in order to grow even closer to Our Lord and to receive more graces from Him.

To view past Lenten reflections and get more information on Holy Week, please visit ewtn.com/lent.

In Christ,

Father Joseph

EWTN

5817 Old Leeds Rd

Irondale AL 35210