Tuesday of the Seventh Week in ordinary Time
(Sirach 2:1-11; Mark 9:30-37)
Today, Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, many Christians are
reveling. They know that tomorrow begins
the traditional forty day fast. It may
be hoped that the revelers will fast with the same fervor as they celebrate
now, but it would be a fool’s bet. If
one is serious about preparing for Lent, she should take to heart today’s
readings.
In the first reading Sirach pleads with his readers to focus
on the Lord. He wants them to fear
losing a sense of His presence. If they
do, they will be prey to a thousand tempting spirits. In the gospel Jesus warns his disciples about
concern of status. He presents himself
as a model of self-denying service. He
will be handed over and die for the salvation of the world.
Indulging a bit today may have some value. If it focuses us on Lenten penance, we may experience
greater desire to continue the practices throughout the season. In any case, we should not minimize the
importance of Lent. With self-denial at its
heart, Lenten observance is a matter of life and death. That is, it keeps us on the path of the
kingdom and off the aberrations of self-aggrandizing desire.
