Lenten Moments of Mercy: Friday after Ash Wednesday

Friday after Ash Wednesday   Today’s reflection reminds us that by opening our hearts to those who are poor, we open our hearts to God’s grace.

Scripture “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,             and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them,             and not to hide yourself from your own kin?” Isaiah 58:7     Reflection In his study of St. Francis of Assisi, G.K. Chesterton tells of the time Francis was working in the family store selling velvets to the rich. He was interrupted by a beggar whom he shunted aside. Francis continued his sale with an uneasy conscience. He was a courteous man, and he had not treated the poor man with courtesy. After completing the sale, Francis rushed into the street looking for and finding the beggar, giving him what money he had. Francis made a commitment to serve the poor whenever he could. Chesterton commented that in the simple society of Francis’s day, there were no laws to punish a starving man for begging such as have been established in our more “enlightened” age. There were no organized police to keep such persons from pestering the wealthy. There were no civic laws that made it a crime to feed the homeless. Today, it is easier to keep those who are poor at a distance; after all, are there not charities to care for them? In a homily on today’s readings, Pope Francis asks, “Am I ashamed of the flesh of my brother? When I give alms, do I let the coins fall without touching his hand?” Pope Francis continues to say that to fast without concern for our brothers and sisters in need is to practice a “hypocritical” fast, one which is self-serving and keeps us closed to the grace of God.

Pope Francis “When I give alms, do I look at my brother or sister in the eyes? When I know a person is sick do I visit him? Do I greet him with tenderness?” Morning Meditation, 7 March 2014   Lenten Action ► Explore the possibility of volunteering in a local soup kitchen or other venue that gives direct services to the poor. ► Learn about the Year of Mercy the Church is celebrating.   Prayer O Lord, give us the grace to lose our life in order that we might be saved.

http://www.loyolapress.com/