Day Fifteen of Lent: Friday of the Second Week of Lent – Matthew 21
Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit – Matthew 21:43.
Today’s Lenten Reflection
Many people today spend most of their time going through the motions of life – work, chores, cook, clean, and all the other usual suspects of daily living – without giving much thought to the Vineyard of Salvation. While the mundane aspects of life are certainly part and parcel of our time here on earth, we should be mindful of whether or not we are bearing good fruit for Christ.
Christ’s warning in today’s Gospel is stern, “Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce fruit” (Matt. 21:43). Clearly producing good fruit for Christ is important and, the truth is, we each have a unique calling by God to carry out in our lifetime. In light of this, we must work against the false notion of having all the time in the world and get busy bearing fruit for His Kingdom today.
Side Note
Scripture records that tomorrow is not promised us. In other words, whatever needs to be accomplished must be done without further delay. As you progress into this year’s proverbial Lenten desert, ask yourself seriously what you are doing for God. Are you fulfilling your divine calling? Giving back to your Church and community? What are you spending most of your time on? Questions such as these will help keep you focused on what’s most important and inspire you to get busy doing what He expects of you. Remember, God always rewards obedience!
Day 15 Lenten Meditation
When was the last time you took on a volunteer commitment with fervor only to let it wither away due to mounting distractions? The one thing needed most in the world right now (above and beyond having more of God in every area of life) is your caring presence in the community. If all you have to give is an hour extra of your time, God will take it and multiply it for His glory. In other words, whatever you can give is enough because God can do anything with what you give Him. Start today and watch what He will do for you.
Lenten Prayer
Lord, thank You for giving us all we need. Thank You for nourishing the soil of our souls so that we have the ability to grow, ripen, and bear fruit. Please help us to use the special gifts and charisms you’ve given each of us to do good for others, just as You have done for us. In Your exhortation for us to tend to those in need of Christ’s Light, we ask for the grace to properly emulate it unto others. May we always be strong enough to walk in the way of Your holy will. It is in Your good and holy Name we pray. Amen.
Today’s suggested Penance
Give something away for someone else, even if only your presence for someone in need.
“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves” –Rainer Maria Rilke.
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