Reflection for Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022812.cfm

So far this Lent, the readings have dealt with fasting a couple of times, which is one of the three Lenten practices or disciplines.  Today's readings deal with another: prayer.

Let us face it, while we are with Christ in the desert of Lent, our souls get thirsty.  They may even become a little hard.  It is in these times when we need the Lord to send us the snow and rain of his word mentioned in the first reading to soften our hearts and make them fertile to produce spiritual fruit.

This word of God that changes our hearts is the Lord's Prayer that Jesus teaches us in today's Gospel.  The Our Father said well (slowly with thought on what it means) is like the snow and rain mentioned in the first reading.  It softens our hearts so we can bring forth the fruit of the Spirit, which is Christ himself, the Word of God.  

So, during this Lent, when we feel our center has shifted from the Lord, let us slowly and thoughtfully say an Our Father or two; and let us experience the power of this word of God as it empowers us to center ourselves again.