A Sacred Time

In the second Preface for Lent, we read the phrase, "a sacred time", a time given to us to renew and purify our hearts, to allow God to free us from disordered affections, and realize the distinction between the things of this passing world and the things that endure eternally.  Jeremiah presents the image of a barren bush in the desert, "that enjoys no change of season, but stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth."  (Jer 17:6).  This is the person who "trusts in human things, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the Lord" (cf. Jer 17:5) ; who has cast his or her lot with the "things of this passing world."  In contrast, the person whose trust and hope is in the Lord, "is like a tree planted beside the waters, that stretches out is roots to the stream.  It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green." (Jer 17: 8).  Our hearts, which are "more tortuous than all else" (Jer 17: 9), are given the opportunity during this "sacred time" to make the choice between the bush and the fertile tree. Unlike Dives in the Gospel passage for today,  (Lk 16: 19-31),  may we not choose what appears to be the fertile tree, but in reality is the barren bush.  May our prayers, reflection and fasting help us distinguish  between the two and choose the one that gives us life.
Bro. Rene