March 25th, Thursday, Fifth Week of Lent

Isaish 7: 10-14; 8: 10, Psalm 40: 7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11, Hebrews 10: 4-10, Luke 1: 26-38

I like Lent. For me, it is a time for reflection – a time to look more closely at God, life, and how I am fitting-in.

In today’s readings, we have Luke’s Annunciation narrative and a selection from Isaiah with reference to Immanuel – God with us. Christmas in Lent. It is fitting.

Thinking about Mary, it seems to me that Mary – after realizing what she was being called to do and after she recovered from the shock – took on the responsibility of nurturing and raising Jesus. No doubt, she was out of her mind with worry as she searched to find the “lost” Jesus in the temple. Surely she celebrated in Jesus’ sign at Cana and anguished at the foot of the cross. It occurs to me for the first time that Mary – having free will like the rest of us – had to make difficult choices. And she did. Mary did what love required.

Today’s reading from Hebrews spoke to me in a similar vain. For me, the elemental Jesus is found in his actions. By his actions He reflects the love of God and brings good news. Surely, He enjoyed his friends. He went out of his way to respect women and other marginalized of the day. He ate with tax collectors. He cured the sick. He broke the letter of the law when necessary. For Jesus, it was not about sacrifices and offerings. He did what love required - what God requires.

From today’s Psalm we read, “I delight to do your will, O my God.” Mary did. Jesus did.

I hope this Lent will help me do a better job.

John Monaco, husband of Carole, father, seeker.