Scripture Scribbles: February 18, 2024

the Gospel

Mark 1:12-15

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert,
and he remained in the desert for forty days,
tempted by Satan.
He was among wild beasts,
and the angels ministered to him.

After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
"This is the time of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the gospel."

the devotion

“Repent and believe in the gospel,” a similar phrase just spoken on Ash Wednesday as the priest traced the sign of the cross on my forehead with ashes. So marks the beginning of another Lent.” How is this Lent going to be different? As difficult as it is to give up Edy’s chocolate chip ice cream on weekends and Monday night pizza, I knew it wasn’t enough. Yet, I was already attending daily Mass, weekly confession, and Eucharistic Adoration.

“Despite all the sacramental grace, I am not getting better,” I lamented to Fr. Silk during confession. “Just think of what you would be like if you were not doing all these things,” he responded matter-of-factly. I gasped, envisioning myself as a common criminal for certain.

Grace is received through the sacraments and prayer. I needed a deeper prayer life. I needed to make time for the Lord and remain “in the desert for 40 days.” Contemplative prayer (silence), not just flapping my trap during the Eucharistic holy hour but LISTENING to hear the voice of my Beloved speak to my heart. Contemplative prayer, the gaze of faith fixed on Jesus.

We will get better and become like Him, as we spend time with Him, being in the presence of the Lord who loves us. His gaze purifies our hearts. God will do the work in and through us. We just need to rely on His grace and power. “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Today’s devotion is written by Karen Molvar