Tuesday Week Two of Lent

Matthew 23:1-12

Week Two can be a time of purging and a time when the Holy spirit begins to reveal the real message of Lent and the false piety begins to fade.  Week two in the gospel is highlighted by the words of Jesus; "Do what they tell you to do, but don't follow their example."

Jesus knows that the religious leaders of the time placed harsher than necessary restrictions on the people, but their piety of instruction is to be followed.

"I fast and keep all of the Lenten observances"  but how do I treat my brother? Am I holding a grudge or remembering some bit of information that keeps me from a relationship with a brother or family member?  Do I forgive the faults of my life?  Am I keeping the Lenten observances and being mean and uncharitable toward the stranger and person of a different belief?  

Being a Christian requires an real emptying of oneself so we can be filled with Love.  God is Love.  We are created in the image of God.  We are created to Love. 

Week two of Lent and today's' gospel is a time to discover those sins and offenses, those habits and lack of charity we have deep within.  The beginning of Lent is Gods' way to say "What do you think keeps you from me?"  Week two is the time when God says "Here is what is keeping you from me."  Short temper, lying, not really keeping the fast etc.  

Dig in and root it out.  Be determined to empty the old vessel so that the Christ may fill us with the abundance of Love that He promised.

Lent is about being transformed into this wonderful person, we call human.  to Love those unlovable by society, to feed the hungry (not just chips and fish), clothe the naked (not with just a coat or hat) Visit those in hospitals and prison (not just behind physical bars and walls) 

Be still and let the movement of His Love fill our soul and rid us of the cancers of hate, fear, anxiety, control, and the lack of reverence of the Divine in humanity.