Monday of the First Week of Lent

 Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18     Matthew 25:31-46

In today’s readings the theme that resonated is the teachings of the “Golden Rule.” God teaches us to do unto others as we would want to be treated. Like probably many of you, this teaching is undoubtedly my earliest learning of God’s expectations and what it means to be Catholic. It was rooted in my belief system from a very early age and one that has carried through my entire life.

However, this simple rule which can be taught to a 5-year-old is easier said than done, isn’t it? I have numerous moments of passing judgment on others and not always stepping up to help those in need. And in today’s world it is often hard to see this rule in action. Nevertheless, even with all this there are still signs this rule is alive and well around us. Since becoming a Visitation parishioner last year, I’ve witnessed countless examples of this teaching thriving in our community. From assisting a refugee family and supporting our sister parish, to smaller acts of a parishioner helping another by picking up their kids from school when they were stuck at work or loaning a car to another family when theirs was in the shop. All these acts have reminded me of the true goodness in our world and what it means to be a Catholic community.

Today’s readings also made me think of a recent book I read which notes - “to be truly equipped to be kind to others, we first must be kind to ourselves.” While I often think about the importance of treating others with respect and love there are many times I do not do the same to myself. I can be very hard on myself and not give myself the grace God asks us to give others and ourselves. If we are so harsh on ourselves, how can we truly be kind to others? As I enter this Lenten season, I am going to challenge myself to not only be kind to others but to also give myself the grace I know God would want me to give others.   

Q: Today, where do I need to give myself some grace so that I can give it away to others?

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