"This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."
Mark 7:6
Impossible as it seems, Lent begins tomorrow (I know, the Christmas decorations are still warm!) In reading this from today's Gospel, it really gives me pause about my Lenten activities. St. Mark is actually quoting the prophesy of Isaiah here in this snippet. It reminds us of the disconnect between our actions and our hearts. We can do great sacrifices this Lent and yet, still miss the whole point of Lent--that we must change our hearts. We can give up TV, sweets, smoking, eating between meals, whatever austere sacrifice we can think of, and, if our hearts are not softened by March 31, it is all for naught. This is a stunning revelation to me, today, Friends. It doesn't mean we are not to sacrifice for Lent. It just means that whatever we do needs to improve the inside of us as much, if not more, than the outside of us. Today is Shrove Tuesday! Clean out your larder, make your pancakes! But, let's spend some time today thinking and praying about what we can do for God that will heal and soften our hearts. That is the part that really matters. Love, heidi
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