Supplemental Reflections for Lent 2009
(40 Days of Lamentations)
 
Day 25
An Amazing Work of God
 
“To do your will is my delight”
(Psalm 40:9a)

March 25
Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 40:7-11
Hebrews 10:4-10
Luke 1:26-38

In today’s readings we encounter the amazing work of the Father in sending His Son Jesus into the world.

With the annunciation of the angel Gabriel to Mary, we have the conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary (Lk 1:31). Nine months from now, in what we celebrate as Christmas, Jesus will be born. This birth of Jesus by the virgin Mary was prophesied by Isaiah, as he said: “the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son” (Is 7:14). Finally, Jesus came not to live but to die. His death on the cross was to be “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Heb 10:10).
 
Why did Jesus have to die? It was to atone for the sins of mankind, to satisfy the justice of the Father, to win for us reconciliation and restoration. It was to save us. Since “it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats take away sins” (Heb 10:4), what had to be offered needed to be perfect and unblemished. Only the very Son of God could fit the bill. So according to His plan, God prepared a body for Jesus (Heb 10:5c), and this was the virgin Mary, through whom Jesus came into the world.

Then Jesus died for us, according to the Father’s will. “By this ‘will,’ we have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Heb 10:10). We have been saved, we have been restored in our relationship with the Father, we have been tremendously blessed.
 
What an absolutely mysterious plan of God! Mary could not understand it (Lk 1:34).

But indeed God uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary plan. God used Mary (Lk 1:31-33). God used Elizabeth, who was barren, to give birth to John (Lk 1:36), who would prepare the way for Jesus. And of course, God also uses nobodies like us.

God certainly can do that, because “nothing will be impossible for God” (Lk 1:37).
 
How do we respond to such mysterious designs of God?

First, even though we might be troubled whenever God calls us, we must never be afraid, because it simply means we have found favor with God (Lk 1:30). What a great privilege and blessing for us! What a great joy it ought to be!

Second, we must open ourselves up to the action and plan of God, whatever that might be. Jesus already purchased us on the cross. We belong to him. We are his servants. Just like Mary, our proper response can only be to say, “May it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38b).

Third, we must listen to God, and when He speaks to us, we must obey. God is pleased with “ears open to obedience” (Ps 40:7b).

Fourth, we must not obey grudgingly, but willingly and joyfully. We must not act mechanically, but always in a deeply heart-felt way. God’s call to us is such a great privilege. We must recognize that, and be greatly delighted by it. “To do your will is my delight; my God, your law is in my heart!” (Ps 40:9).

Finally, we must proclaim God’s great deeds to all. We must evangelize, sharing the good news of Jesus to others. We must not keep this gift to ourselves, but let others partake of it as well, as God intends. “I announced your deed to a great assembly; I did not restrain my lips; you, Lord, are my witness. Your deed I did not hide within my heart; your loyal deliverance I have proclaimed. I made no secret of your enduring kindness to a great assembly.” (Ps 40:10-11).

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The kind of God we have:  A God who gives us the privilege to participate in His salvific work.
 
Our covenant response:  Delight in such a God and obey Him.
 
Lamentations reflection/action:  Has God been calling you to do more for Him? How are you responding?
 
Lamentations prayer:  Jesus, you came into the world to save me. I am so grateful for that. I am so astonished at the ways of the Father. I am even more amazed that He intends to use me. Lord, grant me the grace not to be afraid, but to boldly do your will. I know that nothing is impossible for you, even to take a worthless wretch like me, and use me for your divine purposes. Let me simply delight to do your will, and boldly proclaim your kindness and deliverance to the whole world.  Amen.
 

(You may also look at the reflection for Day 29 in the book, as the readings are the same as for today.)
 
(You are encouraged to use the book “Forty Days of Lamentations” during this period of Lent 2009. Most of the scripture readings are the same. In case they are not, a supplemental reflection is provided. Let us continue to learn the lessons of Lamentations.)