OPreach
Dominican Preaching through Word and Image
A Lenten Thirst
On this 3rd Sunday of Lent, we read about Moses angrily striking a rock in Horeb when the Israelites had thirst and of the woman of Samaria who asked Jesus for living water. So this week our Lenten reflections are about thirst.
Love shortens time, changes the hours. Love is invincible. Many waters cannot quench it nor the floods drown. The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved.
– Victor Hugo
Be a Blessing
When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure that you are always blessed in abundance.
– Joel Osteen
The Mercy of God
The following verses are prayed every morning as the Benedictus at Morning Prayer. And in Lent we are reminded that the Blessing of God is Mercy and Compassion.
In the heartfelt mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will visit us, to shine on those sitting in darkness, in the shadow of death, to guide our feet to the way of peace.
– Luke 1:78-79
Shakespeare on Blessing and Mercy
Today’s Lenten quote about blessing and mercy comes from Shakespeare.
The quality of mercy is not strain’d, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest; It blesseth [the one] that gives and [the one] that takes.
– William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice
The Feast of St. Joseph
On the Feast of Saint Joseph it is the custom in some places to bless bread, pastries, and other food and give a large portion of it to the poor. Many parishes have a Saint Joseph’s Table – Italian food is often a favorite for this celebration.
The Fruits of Mercy
Today’s Lenten though is on Mercy from Abraham Lincoln.
I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.
On St. Patrick’s Day – an Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
– Irish Blessing
Mercy and Blessing
On this 2nd Sunday of Lent the readings tell us of God’s mercy and blessing for us:
From Genesis 12: “All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you.”
And from Psalm 33: “May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us who have put our hope in you.”
So this week we will focus on Mercy and Blessing. And today’s Lenten quote is:
An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.
– Henry David Thoreau
Weekly Photo Challenge: Inside
On the outside, our lives may look great. But what is it that is going on inside? Is there unforgiveness that is brewing? Remember this: our unforgiveness doesn’t hurt the one we won’t forgive – especially in those situations when it is a person that is not actively a part of our life anymore. But that spirit definitely hurts us. We may find ourselves stewing about whatever it was that “so and so” said or did, while “so and so” is oblivious to the fact that we are having such thoughts. So, our stewing only makes our shoulders tense and our chests tighten.
This Saturday, let our Lenten fast be from resentments or bitterness. Forgive others who have hurt your instead. Let go.
Fasting from Self-Concern
Today’s Lenten fast can be from too much self-concern. Instead, consider the experience and burdens of others, and “walk a mile in their moccasins.”
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