Isaiah 55: 10-11
Thus says the Lord: For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Walk in the Desert
Welp! It’s been about a week. Is anyone else ready to fast forward to the end of Lent?
Today’s reading from Isaiah comes at a helpful point in time. It reminds us why we participate in the annual traditions of the season. Just as rain and snow fall to water the earth, we have a purpose during Lent: we’re invited to be for Jesus what Jesus has been for us.
Jesus has walked with me during my low points, and he has celebrated with me during my moments of joy. When I feel particularly eager for Easter – Jesus’ greatest victory – I have to remind myself to hit the brakes and ask God how I can walk with him during his time in the desert. The resurrection is coming, and I can celebrate when it does. But for now, I can be the compassionate presence that Christ has been for me.
—Joe Ertle, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic of the Midwest Province studying philosophy at Fordham University.
Prayer
“Footprints in the Sand”
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it: "LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied: "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."
—Often attributed to Mary Stevenson
Pray with the Pope
The Holy Father’s Monthly Prayer Intentions Brought to you by Apostleship of Prayer the first Friday of each month.