Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Reading and Reflection
Today’s first reading deals with idolatry in its most literal form. But in the Gospel, Jesus points out that idolatry has more subtle forms. Jesus surprised His listeners by pointing out that they were following not God’s law, but their own. Therefore, God was not the master they were serving.
This made me wonder: Do I subtly practice idolatry? Do I have a “false god” in my life of which I am unaware? Then I thought about my Lenten sacrifice this year: I had decided to fast for a specific period each day of Lent. I wouldn’t consider food a “false god” in my life, but my brief fast each day does remind me that there is a proper place for God’s good gifts (like food) and a proper place for God in my life.
We may never have to face the prospect of martyrdom like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did … but we may have to show just as much courage in rooting out those attitudes and habits that have the power to make us forget the true God. - lk
Today let us pray for St. James Parish and the
Pastoral Staff.
