Hearts, Minds, and Voices Turned Toward the Lord
The scriptures tell us that the Lord is "rich in mercy" (Eph. 2:4). This is quite true, simply because of who God is. Still, it is possible to thwart God from extending as much mercy as He desires. That is why Lent makes and excellent opportunity to begin, or to redouble, efforts to turn and transform. Without a doubt, God will lavish His mercy upon us for forty days and beyond if we try to turn our hearts, minds, and voices toward Him. The Mass readings for the Third Week of Lent make this point abundantly clear. From the moment of the Collect for Sunday Mass , anyone who listens or reads learns quickly that we must assume a posture of lowliness and humility in order for the Lord to lift us up. Yet, because of our sinfulness, we continually refuse to assume such attitudes, and thus we cut ourselves off from mercy. There are several readings throughout the week in which we glimpse poor examples of hearts, minds, and voices turned toward the Lord. ...