Lenten Moments of Mercy: Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent

Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent   We reflect on the reason for our service: to bring glory to God.

Scripture “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave.” Matthew 20: 26–27   Reflection When St. Francis of Assisi had his vision of rebuilding Jesus’ Church, he was in the broken down chapel of San Damiano. At first, he thought that Jesus was calling on him to rebuild the chapel. So he gathered the stones necessary for the repair. He then went to his father’s textile shop and, without permission, sold some of the goods to finance the repairs. Francis’s father, Pietro Bernardone, was furious. He had willingly funded Francis’s expensive dreams of becoming a knight as this would raise the status of the family. But he could not tolerate what he saw was the theft of his goods. He confronted Francis before the bishop of Assisi, who told Francis that while his motives may be good, he could not steal from his father. Francis then stripped himself naked, disowned his family, and was given a cloak by the bishop to wear. Francis had entered into the true Way of the Cross. He discovered the presence of Jesus in the wounds of the world, in the lepers, and in the poor. To reach out to them he stripped himself of his family’s values, becoming poor, so that others may live. Pope Francis notes that there is a danger among Christians who, like the Apostles in the Gospel, follow Jesus for personal ambition, to accomplish something in life or to be rewarded for good deeds. While such a path may lead us to heaven, ultimately it is a sad life. Only service to the one Lord is the way to true happiness and a true Christian life.

Pope Francis “He who, being God, humbled himself, lowered himself, debased himself: to serve. It is service in hope, and this is the joy of Christian service.” Morning Meditation, 11 November 2014   Lenten Action ► Learn more about the Franciscan Order. ► Explore the reflections in Growing in Friendship with God This Lent.   Prayer Lord Jesus, help me to follow the Way of the Cross and serve with courage.

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