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Daily Lenten Prayer from the Jesuit School of Theology

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— 23 March 2021 —

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 102:2-3, 16-18, 19-21; John 8:21-30

This Lent is heavier than most. We are, as they say, experiencing “COVID-19 fatigue”. We are weak and vulnerable after a year of fear, paranoia, distrust, misinformation, and division. Today’s readings, however, invite us to consider the struggle the Israelites experienced in the desert alongside the challenges we face. Like any true period of testing, God desires to be close to us. In the first reading, we hear how Moses prays for the Israelites and carries their complaints on his shoulders even after they speak against him and God. The serpents that surround them threaten their survival and they know they are helpless to the forces of nature. Like a true leader, Moses does not dismiss their cries but brings their fears to God. Moses models faithfulness and trust for the Israelites and they are given an opportunity to repent and keep their eyes focused on God at all times. The “bronze serpent mounted on a pole” acts as a physical, earthly sign of God’s healing presence among them, if only they keep their gaze focused on its restorative power, they will be saved.

As Christians, we believe it is Jesus who is our salvation. These passages from John’s Gospel are a challenge. I found myself rereading them because I want to feel what Jesus is saying. Jesus wants me to feel confident in who he is and the power that God has given him. Jesus desires that I realize he comes not to put himself above me, but to reveal to me the glory of God. If I focus myself on him and this building up of a new kingdom, then those sins which weigh on me are only part of my earthly journey. What awaits me is the promise of salvation.

It is good to cry out, it is good to express fear, and it is necessary to share that with God. That is our invitation this Lent. To go to God, to be with Jesus, and to center ourselves on the paschal mystery that approaches. Flourish clipart Loving God, Creator of the world, accompany us in our fears, ease our worried minds, and give our sweet bodies rest amidst this pandemic. We are weak and in need of care. Show us your mercy and everlasting love. Amen.

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Stephanie Boccuzzi graduated from JST in 2019 with a Masters of Divinity and teaches Religion/Theology at Xavier High School in New York City.

A Heart Renewed is produced by Santa Clara University's Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, a school of theological and ministerial formation with distinguished faculty and students from around the world. JST is one of only three theology centers sponsored by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in North America.

For more information, please contact us at: jst@scu.edu

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During the English Catholic Emancipation in the nineteenth century, a Protestant writer in the Times recounted an encounter with a bishop on the streets of London. He noted that the man bore the dignity befitting his title in every way. That he carried his own luggage was the only clue he was not a prelate of the Church of England. The author made a point that helped bring about the Catholic Church’s restoration: Catholic laity and clergy were well known for their willingness to work hard for the material welfare of others. If it meant carrying one’s own baggage or ministering to the poor in the mean streets of London, Catholics could be counted on to “get their hands dirty” caring for others.

Jesus’ rejoinder, “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven,” makes clear our faith cannot survive on liturgy or worship alone. Unless we are committed to social justice, assisting the poor, caring for the enfeebled, being good stewards of our planet, and being intermediaries of peace, we are at risk of the same accusation.

Religion without prayerful worship is no different than a Non-government Organization (NGO), but liturgy without vigorous commitment to our world and its people has little meaning and its beauty is illusory. Lent is a time to reconsider our commitment to the greater community. Only through an examination of our groundedness in this world will the Easter celebration assume depth and meaning.

Have you noticed Pope Francis carries his own suitcase?