Fourth Sunday of Lent
Reading and Reflection
Today's reading from Ephesians urges us to try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. I remember when I was a little girl, I would do anything to please my parents. Unfortunately, circumstances turned that into a fruitless behavior. Then, I met my future husband and again, would work hard to please him, putting his needs ahead of my own. Finally I understood a healthy love that is loving sacrifice and has a loving response. When we began having children, I realized a love that is a deeper sacrifice because it isn't returned at the same level as it is given. It is a deeper sacrificial love that requires a lot of effort to learn what is pleasing.
As my relationship with God has matured, I have
gone through similar stages. I'm sure I have more to go, also.
It is an ongoing process to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
It requires time and effort, prompted by love. What a
wonderful prayer each morning, Lord, let me find what is pleasing to you
and live it today.
