March 30, 2022

Is 49: 8-15

Thus says the Lord: In a time of favor I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages; saying to the prisoners, “Come out,” to those who are in darkness, “Show yourselves.” 

They shall feed along the ways, on all the bare heights shall be their pasture; they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them down, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them. And I will turn all my mountains into a road, and my highways shall be raised up. Lo, these shall come from far away, and lo, these from the north and from the west, and these from the land of Syene.

Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones. But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me.” Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.

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. 

God Is Present Even When Prayer Feels Dry

If you can’t take the heat, get out of the fire! I come from a long line of women who can’t handle the heat. I have inherited a legacy of headaches, fainting and nausea when I spend too much time in the sun.  These symptoms are a sign that I need to stop, hydrate, rest, and take things a little easier. 

Prayer can also feel difficult, tiring and dry, especially in Lent. We might begin to focus on our shortcomings in an overly scrupulous way. Our attention is on our failed Lenten resolutions or a desolation that God has not answered our prayers. Our world is still war-torn, refugees are adrift, children are hungry, families are hurting. The landscape is desolate, our souls feel parched. 

“Neither scorching wind nor sun can strike them down.” Among the reassuring images offered in Isaiah, this is the one I need most. No matter how dry my prayer feels, God continues to offer the water of everlasting life. 

—Jen Coito co-founded Christus Ministries, a young adult ministry endorsed by Jesuits West, and serves on the young family outreach team. 

 Prayer 

“Be like the sunflower that follows every movement of the sun and keep your eyes always turned towards our God.” - St. Julie Billiart

Jesus, I turn towards you, seeking warmth and encouragement. Grant me patience when the heat is too intense, and hope when I cannot sense you. How are you shedding your light on my path today? 

—Jen Coito