A Lenten Word - Renew

Homily for Saturday after Ash Wednesday

In Isaiah we read: “He will renew your strength, and you shall be like a watered garden…” (Isaiah 58:11c).

What kind of strength is Isaiah speaking of in this verse? How does it apply to our Lenten journey? To answer these questions, we must first identify our weaknesses.

Isaiah brings up the issue of false accusations, malicious speech, and feeding the hungry. One of the dictates of the Sinai Covenant was the responsibility God placed upon his people to take care of the widows and orphans and the aliens (immigrants) who lived among them. This was one of the commandments that was quickly forgotten.

The Gospel addresses itself to the Pharisees and the scribes who have forsaken those among them whom they consider to be sinners. Jesus reminds them of their responsibility to help sinners to turn back to the Lord.

Renewal means different things to different people. The threefold charter of Lent (prayer, fasting, and alms giving) addresses three areas where we might need to be renewed in our commitment to God’s commands. However, it is not an exhaustive list. Today, let us ask God to help us to discern where we need to renew our efforts.