Thankfulness opens a door to our hearts in a way that nothing else does. Have you ever noticed that it is easier to give thanks when we are humble? Humility is not popular. Our society seems to value boldness and self-sufficiency. When I am humble, I have a deep sense of the majesty of God and of my utter dependence on Him. It is in this frame of mind that I can best experience grace.
A life lived in grace became a reality for us when we put on Christ in baptism. Through the blood of our Savior we live and breathe grace. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I lose sight of this reality.
Jesus longed for us to live in such a way that grace would be a palatable experience. In Luke, Jesus uses several character sketches to illustrate the attitudes that can harden our hearts and keep us from tasting grace. He also gave us glimpses of those who walked in the light.
As I read about the rich man who was steeped in regret and longed to warn his brothers, I remember the times that I ignored the Spirit prompting me to speak.
I long to be the one leper who returned to offer praises and give thanks. I am embarrassed by the busy times that I went off with the other nine lepers and took for granted the blessings that I had received.
I cringe to think that I have ever compared my path to that of others without begging for mercy as the tax collector did.
I rejoice that Jesus welcomes me as He would a little child.
Above all, for today, my heart will echo the blind beggar, “Lord, I want to see!”
Kathleen Tatro
March 14
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Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteI want to see too! Loved that part of the reading and it really challenged me to think about the specific-ness of my prayers.
Ouch! Regret is so tough when it is eternal regret. Thanks for the painful reminder.
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