Daily HOMILY for March 10, 2014: Monday of the 1st Week of Lent, Cycle A

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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute.  Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more:  https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/

Monday 1^st Week of Lent

St. Luke’s Institute

March 10, 2014

RELIGIOUS PRACTICE +++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  There may be a bit of superstition or compulsivity in many of us when in comes to forms of religious practice

Ø  For some it’s having the satisfaction of completing the 9^th day of the novena

Ø  For others, it’s forwarding the prayer email to ten friends that will get our prayers answered

Ø  For still others, it’s finishing Compline even though I can’t keep my eyes open

Ø  We seem to believe that as long as we “get it done” we’re okay

Ø  It seems the letter sometimes overrides the spirit

PRACTICE PLUS ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Words like today’s in 1^st rdg from Leviticus & Js’ story about the sheep and the goats echo the concern we’ve already heard this Lent

Ø  We shouldn’t fool ourselves into thinking that faithfulness to some form of prayer – or even fasting and almsgiving for that matter – is by itself genuine religion

Ø  All our prayers and observances must be accompanied by a change of heart…

Ø  A turning from what thwarts life to what gives life both in ourselves and we toward one another

NEW LENTEN CHECKLIST ++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  There’s a new Lenten checklist before us from the Book of Leviticus

Ø  Speaking the truth, I’d add, in small groups

Ø  Do not defrauding or cheat others from what is their due

Ø  Be honest in caring for other residents

Ø  Do not speak ill of others

Ø  No judging, none, at any time

Ø  Avoid revenge

Ø  And perhaps most imp of all: show compassion to the one suffering in your midst

HOW WELL DO YOU DO ON CHECKLIST? +++++++++++

Ø  “No doubt about it,” declare both Leviticus & Jesus, “active love is the real test & real proof of religion”

Ø  How well do you do on the new Lenten checklist?

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