|
Reflect
'A humbled, contrite heart, O Lord, you will not spurn'
This phrase is taken from Psalm 50 and is used in today's Mass. It is a reminder not to be proud or arrogant, but to always allow room for God to work in our lives.
We live in a world which tells us that importance and achievement are about how much we can put ourselves forward and about how big our egos are. How much money can you make? How many friends do you have? How much can you promote yourself and stand out against others?
In contrast to that, the message of the Gospels is that we are meant to be humble and contrite. This doesn't mean that we have to be quiet or sad, or lonely, or boring. But rather, it means that we have to leave room for others and for God.
If we can do this, then we might be surprised to find that it actually makes us happier! Once we let our egos go and let God work we slowly become aware of how beautiful the world around us actually is.
Once we let our egos go, we can also let other people surprise us with how brilliant they are, and by how much they love us!
Pray
Loving Father,
Help us to use this Lent to put our egos and our selfish side away.
Chip away at those parts of us that get in the way of love
Amen.
Challenge
Your challenge today is to have a conversation with somebody and to listen.
We all have times when we dominate and do all the talking. It's easy to do. Sometimes, though, we have to let others take centre stage.
So, sometime today, when you're talking to somebody else, let them do most of the talking. Take in what they say, and let them know how much you enjoy listening to them :)
Footsteps through Lent © Arundel & Brighton Diocesen Youth Service 2009 | Diocese of Arundel & Brighton | Site & Photo Credits
|