February 22, 2023

Suggested Readings

Isaiah 58:1-12

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

where your treasure is, there your heart will be also

The formal liturgy for Ash Wednesday, taken from The Book of Common Prayer includes the following invitation: “I invite you, . . . in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.”

So, with this invitation we take the first step on our journey into spiritual transformation. As you begin this process sit quietly for a few moments and try to free your mind of extraneous thoughts. The “to do” list can wait for a little while. You can answer that text later; email can wait. For the moment focus your attention on reading and meditating on the scriptural text.

What do you hear God saying to you through the words of the prophet? The voice of the Lord decries ritual without changed hearts and attitudes. When hearts are transformed and justice is practiced God declares your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly.

Make a mental list of the practices that God requires of God’s people. Where do you and I fit in that list? Do we share our bread with the hungry; invite the homeless poor into our homes; provide clothing to the naked; do we speak evil of one another?

It’s a tall order, but rituals are meaningless without concomitant action.

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus turns conventional thinking upside down. Jesus challenges disciples to turn the other cheek, go the second mile, share coat and cloak, to share generously without expecting acknowledgement, to pray in secret; in short, Jesus requires his disciples to live their lives in the constant presence of God without concern for the expectations of society.

It’s a tall order and one that requires a firm intent to live like Jesus. We will have many false starts along this journey in spiritual transformation. We will also have the joy of some mountaintop experiences. The outcome of our journey will be changed attitudes and an unswerving commitment to live into the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.

Prayer:

Change my heart oh God, . . .may I be like you . . . Gracious and merciful God please walk with me on this journey of transformation. My goal in the journey is to become increasingly conformed to your image. Please help me to set my priorities to be in line with yours. I don’t want to practice empty rituals but live a transformed life. Amen