Growing older brings growth in wisdom. The difference of a Lent journey when 25 years old or when in one's fifties or sixties: consider it. How do we perceive the gift of forgiveness at those distinct ages? How do we perceive God's forgiving love at times when we may not have had as much as we possess now? Is it more difficult to understand God's mercy when I live in abundance?
Human nature, initially tainted by Adam and Eve action in that famous garden, easily becomes entangled in the satisfaction of living my life as I want. Human nature needs a strong awareness of God's compassion when surrounded by the things that make life easier for us. Surrounded by wonderful recordings of music, having books and the Internet to bring within personal experience the wonders of God's creation, living in homes that would have been fit for kings several centuries ago, having autos that are almost like homes themselves with all modern accommodations, traveling in just a short time what took days not all that long ago --- all of these build a feathered nest of comfort that possibly can lead us away from a genuine love of God and his mercy.
In the Prayer over the Gifts of today's liturgy the Church prays: "Father ... may the grace of this mystery (the Eucharistic celebration) prevent us from becoming absorbed in material things." The words from the prophet Daniel in the readings of the same liturgy remind us of the wandering Jewish people as they were called to experience awareness of thier past sins and gratitude that Yahweh had promised us his compassion and forgiveness.
Let these words be for us today a calling to pray for the forgiveness we may need in our lives as well as the forgiveness we may need to give those whose ways have been a challenge to us. On this particular day of our Lenten journey, let us pray that we might more deeply realize the power of God's forgiving love. "Lord, our God, forgive our sins; rescue us for the sake of your name."
