Sunday’s Reflection: The Lord is full of compassion and mercy: Come, let us adore him! During this season of Lent, I wonder if we can seek a deeper understanding of this amazing gospel of grace? We need to be ready for the “new thing” God is doing in Easter. 

Jesus, energized and equipped, goes to the wilderness where he faced-down three temptations and confrontations that challenge us to this day. The first: how do we make the distinction between what we “want” and what we “need;” “bread” really feeds us? Second: whom do we serve and what do we worship? Third: where are we smug, sure we are right, and putting God to the test? Jesus found his way through; Lent invites us to find our way through too. 

Let us pray that God’s spirit will help us to remember, experience, and know that ‘God is our refuge, our God in whom we trust.’ Psalm 91:2

Read – Galatians 5:16–26. What words would you use to describe faithfulness? Who has modeled faithfulness for you? How did they do that? What help do you need from others and from God now to cultivate greater faithfulness? What do you think of the idea that “Whatever we pay attention to is what will grow”? How do you intend to pay attention to cultivating and growing the fruits of Spirit in you this Lent?

Meditation: Take a moment to be fully present and to rest in God’s presence.

Prayer: Compassionate God, support and strengthen all those who reach out in love, concern, and prayer for the sick and distressed. In their acts of compassion, may they know that they are your instruments. In their concerns and fears may they know your peace. In their prayer may they know your steadfast love. May they not grow weary or faint-hearted, for your mercy’s sake. Amen.