the word for lent (see feb. 27)
"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but shall do My will, achieving the end for which I sent it." —Isaiah 55:11
God's word does not return void but achieves the end for which it is sent. Because God's word is always "living and effective" (Heb 4:12), it is "more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces" (Ps 119:72). Therefore, we should read and share God's word daily (Acts 17:11), for "ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ" (St. Jerome).
This Lent, may God's word find a home in your life. "Humbly welcome the word that has taken root in you, with its power to save you" (Jas 1:21). Like Jesus, use God's word to resist the temptations of Satan (Lk 4:4, 8, 12). Abide in God's word (Jn 8:31). Soak in it, and let yourselves be purified "in the bath of water by the power of the word" (Eph 5:26). Delight in the word of the Lord and meditate on it day and night (see Ps 1:2). "Keep this book of the law on your lips. Recite it by day and by night, that you may observe carefully all that is written in it; then you will successfully attain your goal" (Jos 1:8). This Lent, prepare for Easter by taking a long walk with Jesus as He interprets for you "every passage of Scripture which (refers) to Him" (Lk 24:27). A Lent in God's word is a Lent in God's will — a Lent of a lifetime.
Prayer: Father, this Lent may Your word burn in me and purify me (Lk 24:32).
Promise: "Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us the wrong we have done as we forgive those who wrong us." —Mt 6:11-12
Praise: Several pre-teens and teenagers join with a group of adults to faithfully prepare One Bread, One Body for mailout. The book you are currently reading may have been provided to you through the love of a teenager.
Reference: (Easter is approaching. To abide in the word, order our leaflet, Through the New Testament in Easter.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, August 1, 1996
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 6, 1996