Motives?

Matthew Harrison

Monday, February 26, 2007

Timely words contained in the psalm at today's Mass: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Ps 19)

I usually have to struggle with my pride when it comes to fasting or other sacrifices. So often I want to do these things so I can say “Yes, I did this. I had the strength to do this on my own.” But when I stop and think about it, I realize it’s a rather silly thought on my part. The only way I was able to do this was because God gave me the strength and grace to persevere! (Not to mention that penance shouldn't be about bragging rights or moaning and groaning to our colleagues about the difficult sacrifice we have to endure. Penance should be done as a free offering to God; an action to help purify ourselves and focus on the Lord.)

Let’s make an effort this Lent to not only ask God to accept all our actions, sacrifices, and prayers, but let us ask Him to purify our motives. Let's carry our our Lenten practices with a pure heart and do these things not for ourselves but for God.