Lent 2017 : Day 6
Each day that the Lord has made is great, with each moment a blessing for His people on earth. On the sixth day of Lent, we are blessed with a beautiful and uplifting message that speaks of God’s unwavering mercy, grace and love for us.
In Isaiah 55:10-11, it says, “My word is like the snow and the rain that come down from the sky to water the earth. They make the crops grow and provide seed for planting and food to eat.”
Lent can be likened to a period of drought, of suffering and sacrifices, of sin and moral absence, of difficulties and oppression, of spiritual dryness or indifference. Like dry soil, we yearn for life to trickle down on us, to wash away our imperfections and impurities, and to fill us with renewed life and spirit. God is the rain that nourishes us, our source of new life and sustenance. And this verse is a reminder of His promise to shower us with his everlasting mercy, especially during the most trying of times. We may not realize and recognize it, but God is ever ready to shower His blessings upon us.
We need not look at Lent solely as a time of trials. It is likewise a period of joyful preparation as we wait for the glorious coming of the Lord. We should experience it gladly for He is near, and He will nourish us with renewed spirits. More than a challenging time, Lent teaches us to strengthen our belief and faith in the Lord. We should trust God’s faithfulness and commitment to us without a hint of doubt.
In the same reading, it says, “So also will be the word that I speak— it will not fail to do what I plan for it; it will do everything I send it to do.” God’s word, His will, will not fail. God will not disappoint. We only need to keep the faith, open ourselves and wait for His mercy.
But what does waiting entail during Lent? For Christians, it means a surrender to God as we submit our faith wholeheartedly in the Lord. To let go of our worries and to trust in the Lord fully. We wait with joyful hearts and we praise with abandon.
In the Gospel, the Lord teaches us His prayer. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.”
We should dedicate each day of our lives, not just Lent, in living this prayer. More than just words, we should use this as a guide in how to surrender to the Lord, strengthen our faith, and remain patient and grateful for the mercy He will shower upon us.
Dear Lord,
We gladly lift our trials to you. Purify us and ready us for your coming. We wait patiently and joyfully for Your mercy.
Teach us to live each day with faith and trust in You. Teach us the many ways to live a life worthy of Your love, to forgive just as You have forgiven us. Teach us to give You praise beyond words and to live a life of grace.
Amen.
