Psalm Reflection: Third Sunday of Lent (Cycle A)

“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” - Psalm 95

Life is noisy. Lent is quiet; well, at least it is supposed to be. Lent is a reminder of our need to return to God and listen for His voice. We are encouraged to enter more deeply and intentionally:

into prayer—to listen and commune with God, 

into fasting—to remove the obstacles that prevent us from hearing His voice, and

into almsgiving—to encounter Him in our service to others. 

Every aspect of Lent is encouraging us to be closer in relationship to God. So what is keeping you from hearing God’s voice today? What is your biggest distraction or obstacle when it comes to prayer? And when you do hear God’s voice, what keeps you from acting on it? We tend to only hear what we want to hear, and when God places an uncomfortable call on our hearts, we try and analyze it from every angle and discern it to death, hoping it will change. Maybe this Lent, God is asking you to trust Him and lean into the new and possibly uncomfortable things He is asking of you. Whatever it is, you need to be able to hear Him, to listen and not let your attention to be taken by lesser things. This week, spend at least 5 minutes in complete silence each day. Put your phone away, turn the screens and music off, and just focus on your breathing and clearing your mind of noise and clutter. I guarantee you will hear God’s voice more clearly this week if you do, it is then up to you how you will respond. My recommendation: harden not your heart. We are praying for you this week!

See you in the Eucharist!