Post-feast of the Encounter; the Holy and Just Simeon Who Received God and the Prophetess Anna
1 John 3:21-4:6; Mark 14:43-15:1
Read 1 John 3:21-4:6
Have you ever thought about the question: What pleases the Lord? Most likely, it’s a question that we do not spend too much time reflecting on. Over our lifetime in participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation we probably spend more time thinking about the opposite: What displeases the Lord? Most likely, the single most reflected on question in our hearts is: what pleases me? In fact, being a fallen human being this comes instinctively to each of us and this is what we continually hear whispered into our hearts by the tempter. Not only is it whispered into our ear it is shouted at us—just turn on the television, surf the web or any other media. If we accept and live this temptation then how can we ever please the Lord—the one who is our creator, sustainer and saviour. This is why the Lord Jesus says, “‘If any want to become my disciple, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:23-25).
Today, St. John wants us to take a moment and reflect on keeping the commandments of the Lord and doing what pleases Him. This is an insight on how to revitalize our spiritual life. The Lenten season is all about revitalizing our spiritual life, but in order for us to benefit from this blessed time, we must courageously deny ourselves and strive to radically please the Lord first. We fast from food in order to put aside our will—putting aside the things I like to eat—in order to practice obedience and sacrifice. We pray more in order to increase our time spent with the Lord. We strive to accomplish good works because we were created for good works (Ephesians 2:10)—to be people who seek to serve the other. The Lenten season—also called the tithe of the year—is meant to wake us up from the sleepiness of self-love and to focus us on pleasing the Lord. Are we ready?