Daily Retreat 03/21/06

2006 Mar 21 Tue: Lenten Weekday

Dn 3: 25. 34-43/ Ps 24(25): 4-5ab. 6 and 7bc. 8 and 9/ Mt 18: 21-35.

From today’s readings: "But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received.... In Your kindness remember me, because of Your goodness, O LORD.... You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?"

Contrite heart and humble spirit

Do you pray to God, or do you voice your personal demands and expectations for Him? Do you approach God as your God (recognizing yourself as His creature) or do you approach Him as your personal indentured Genie-in-a-bottle?

Biblical prayers (such as that of Azariah in the Book of Daniel) demonstrate the need to approach God with a contrite heart and humble spirit. "Contrite heart" means that we’re aware of our sins, and have contrition and remorse for them, and that, on account of our sins, we’re in no position to make demands on God, except when we explicitly pray for the fulfillment of what He has promised. "Humble spirit" means that we recognize God’s majesty and our own littleness and insignificance.

When we approach God with contrite heart and humble spirit, He’s sure to "deal with us in Your kindness and great mercy. Deliver us by Your wonders, and bring glory to Your name, O Lord!"