Lent: Your Ways

by Amy Welborn

Happy those who do not follow
the counsel of the wicked,
Nor go the way of sinners,
or sit in company with scoffers.
Rather, the law of the Lord is their joy;
God’s law they study day and night.
(Psalm 1:1 -2)

I always appreciate the opportunity to hear priests from other lands at Mass. Their accents—Irish, Nigerian, Colombian, Indian and others—remind me of the universality of the Body of Christ.

What I have noticed, too, is that when a priest from another country preaches in a church of native speakers, he has usually prepared his homily carefully, writing it out so that he says exactly what he intends. He speaks carefully, as well, to be sure that we hear. And I listen more carefully, too.

If I am to be deeply reconciled to God, I need to know who God is and what God’s call to me is, and that won’t happen through listening with half an ear: Been there, done that. Good Samaritan, Prodigal Son. Got it. What would I learn if I decided to listen with more care to what has been offered to me with such devotion and love?

God of wisdom, teach me about your ways and what you want of me.

“Your Ways“ was selected from Reconciled to God, Daily Lenten Devotions (Creative Communications for the Parish)  with Amy Welborn’s permission to publish it on JoyAlive.net.  Amy, mother of five, has worked as a Catholic high school teacher, Parish Director of Religious Education, writer for the Florida Catholic, columnist for Our Sunday Visitor and Catholic News Service. She has been writing full time since 1999 and has written nineteen books and many pamphlets and study guides. She is a regular contributor to the Living Faith and Living Faith for Kids devotionals.