Lent, Day Twenty, Third Monday of Lent

Lent, Day Twenty, Third Monday of Lent
It is difficult to confess that perhaps the greatest servicec we can offer to our fellow [human being] is to recieve and allow them the happiness of giving. For much of the happiness in our lives derived from the fact that we can give and though our friends have been willing to receive our gifts, to make them part of their lives, and to allow themselves to become dependent on us through them. We feel happy when we see the picture we gave our friends displayed most advantageously on a wall of the living room. The question is: Would we have given [our friend] the freedom to put it in the attic? ...

As long as we keep living with the wrong supposition that giving is our first task, our scotosis [darkness] cannot be healed, and the most creative insights will stay out of our consciousness.

Henri J.M. Nouwen
Creative Ministry, pg 40

Scripture:

33 I Esdras received a charge of the Lord upon the mount Oreb, that I should go unto Israel; but when I came unto them, they set me at nought, and despised the commandment of the Lord.

34 And therefore I say unto you, O ye heathen, that hear and understand, look for your Shepherd, he shall give you everlasting rest; for he is nigh at hand, that shall come in the end of the world.

35 Be ready to the reward of the kingdom, for the everlasting light shall shine upon you for evermore.

36 Flee the shadow of this world, receive the joyfulness of your glory: I testify my Saviour openly.

37 O receive the gift that is given you, and be glad, giving thanks unto him that hath led you to the heavenly kingdom.

 2 Edras 2:33-37

PRAYER
Divine Giver, your generosity is so immense. I see your gifts in the smallest of living things and in the grandest sights of mountains, skies, forests, and seas. In this vast panoply, I am so small, and my offerings are so puny. Yet as I respect and give thanks for your works, let me also be grateful for the gifts given to me by my companions here in this life. Grant me the wisdom to accept these gifts with a pure heart. Amen.

LENTEN ACTION
List the gifts that have been given to you that you have overlooked or minimized. Write a prayer of thanksgiving for all these blessings. Nurture your sincere appreciation and concentrate on grateful receiving.