On My Own?

Deep into the heart of the Lenten Season, we might be asking ourselves if we are making any progress. We pledged a course of action on Ash Wednesday, determined to deepen our relationship with Jesus through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Perhaps not all has gone according to that plan, but it is important to remember that we build a new day on yesterday; what we "gained" then provides the foundation for what we will do today. Day after day of even "little steps" means that we are moving forward. And, more importantly, it is essential that we remember that God is our leader, the God who is merciful, gracious, of great kindness, and compassionate. If we are in danger of discouragement due to our apparent "lack of progress", we need to remember the haunting question God asks us, "Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb?/ Even should she forget,/ I weill never forget you." (Is 49: 15). God is constantly with us. Jesus himself said, "I cannot do anything on my own." (Jn 5: 30). It is this God who leans toward us, supports us, draws us. It is God's initiative, God's program more than ours. We do our best, and God does the rest.