PRAYER MOMENT
Monday
2 March 2015
THE
LOOK OF SHAME
Pause. Enter into the stillness of God
within.
Reading: “Integrity, Lord, is yours;
ours the look of shame we wear today, we, the people of Judah, the citizens of
Jerusalem, the whole of Israel, near and far away, in every country where you
have dispersed us because of the treason we have committed against you.”
(Daniel 9:4-10)
Reflection. In their exile the Jews had
plenty of time to reflect. They came to realise that they had been offered
prosperity and happiness in the promised land but, when they got there, they
had squandered the gifts and opportunities they were given. Now they saw the
results. We can wrench this experience into the present and, during Lent, reflect
on the gifts and opportunities we are offered today. It can be painful to see
how we have used them. And a healthy dose of shame in Lent can open our eyes.
At the same time let us not exaggerate our failures. Probably, if you are
reading this, you are a person who is trying to do your best. We are called to
be grateful too for all that we have been able to do with the gifts we have
receiuved.
Prayer. Lord, during this time,
help us to know ourselves better; to rejoice in what we are able to do and have
a healthy sorrow for our compromises with the truth. Amen.
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