Day 4 - March 10

The Joy of Mercy Online Lenten Retreat

Day 4 – March 10

Today’s Theme: “One Essential Ingredient”

Today’s Scripture

That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already is; and God seeks out what has gone by. -- Ecclesiastes 3:15

Fr. Kempf’s Reflection

   Worry has a corrosive power that eats away at our bodies, our relationships, our peace of heart. What if we did what Jesus said and chose, instead of worrying, to just “seek the kingdom”? In other words, to just love.

   In any moment, worry will not help me in any way. It will rob me of the life and joy that is only found in the present moment. Whatever the worries or tensions, regrets or fears, one thing only is asked of me: to love now.

   We hold firm to what we know is true. We trust. For me, that means—not that everything will be okay but that—no matter what life holds, I can be okay. And so, instead of worrying, I am called just to love now.

   That is all that I really can do. That is all I need to do. It is one of the essential ingredients of a holy, happy, joy-filled life.

   Jesus is not saying don’t plan for the future. He knows we have to think ahead and use our brains. He is just saying don’t live there. Live now. Love now.

   Jesus is not saying don’t learn from the past or act like it didn’t happen. He is just saying don’t live there. Live now. Love now.

(Excerpted from Two Minutes Toward Meaningful Living)

When or how have I experienced the fact that “not everything will be okay” but “I can be okay”?

In what ways am I living in the past?

Today’s Prayer

Merciful God, help me to feel the peace of your presence within me. And when I can’t feel it, help me choose to trust that you are there.

Published by special arrangement with Creative Communications for the Parish.

Used with Permission.  All Rights Reserved.