I’ve learned change is constant.

In our readings today, we are offered the story of Naaman, from Aram, healed of leprosy, apparently the only person Elisha cured of leprosy because he believed.  In a synagogue, Jesus reminds his listeners when the gifts of God are shared with people outside of Israel doing his bidding.  They weren’t pleased.  Two thousand years later, with our modern knowledge, maybe we need a different view, where we realize that if God is ignoring us, we have been ignoring God.

During Lent, we’re supposed to explore ways to “follow Jesus and his teachings,” but are we feeling changes taking place inside? Yes, there are sacrifices, yes there is implied “tweaking” of a variety of behaviors with intent to inspire a shift in outlook, a change of vision, a change of awareness, a change of attitude, a deepening of faith, hope, and love.  My sense is that if I am being changed, I will feel it. But I can hope to be happier, more at peace.

When Jesus called his disciples to follow him, he had “no place to lay his head,” implying that his followers wouldn’t either.  Yet, we never hear of “deprivation” with the apostles, and changes were made in their attitudes, lifestyles, expectations, and viewpoints — all of which apply to us every Lent.

Father Eymard shared that his retreat in Rome changed him, and by joining his walk, the Eucharist grows more present to us.  What am I being asked to change? Is the Eucharist suggesting I look at things differently?

Let Us Pray:

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.  Where there is hatred, let me sow your love; where there is injury, your pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.  Amen. (Prayer of Saint Francis)

Eucharistic Reflection – Center for Eucharistic Evangelizing (eucharisticevangelizing.com)
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