Open Wednesday … Fifth Sunday of Lent, C

1.  In the Second Reading, Paul writes, "… forgetting what lies behind
but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward
the goal."  Compare this with 1 Corinthians 9:24 where Paul more

emphatically uses the image of a race: "… Run so as to win!"  Also 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have competed well.  I have finished the race.  I have kept the faith."  The idea of looking ahead invites us to look ahead now to Easter.  Perhaps we will  have to strain to complete well the final days of Lent.  Notice the word train in strain.  Like good racers, good Christians have to train well.  Think of Lent as spring training.  The word Lent

comes from the Old English word Lengten, meaning springtime.

2.  Hans Urs von Balthasar points out that all of the Readings "point toward the
future, toward God's salvation, which creates new things and toward which we are hastening" (Light of the Word, Ignatius Press, pp. 289).   The First Reading, "Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not," and Paul's words  in the Second Reading, "… forgetting what lies behind …," remind me of Jesus' words, "No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God" (Lk 9:62).  Past events--whether positive or negative--should not blind us to God working in our daily lives. 
     Do you remember the Old Testament story of Lot's wife who looked back at the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah and was turned into a pillar of salt (Gn 19:26).  Some readers may relate to the negative effect of certain memories. 
      For now, however, let the Readings motivate us to prepare for Holy Week.

3.  Years ago I heard a talk and I think the priest's name was Fr. Brennon.  He said
that God wanted to lead him into a new work but he couldn't see it.  He hesitated leaving the comfortable "boat" of all that was familiar and walking in a new way. 
Fr. Brennon said that when he did not respond to Jesus' call, that shortly his "boat blew up" and he found himself floundering in the waters until the Holy Spirit steadied him and led him.
     This story has helped me at times in my life.  If I am uncomfortable with changes, but the story reminds me to look for God-given opportunities in the new circumstances.  And the opportunities are always there!   :)

4.  Isaiah's exhortation of not letting a longing for the past rob one of living fully
in the present reminds me of a gentlemen who moved to this area years ago and who started to attend the small prayer group we attend.  Anywhere from 7 to 20 meet every Tuesday night.  The poor gentleman continually talked of the great and large prayer group he attended in the city from which he came.  His preoccupation with the past, I think, robbed him of the opportunities and blessings of the present.  Eventually he stopped attending.  And our little prayer group has continued down the years…..

5.  In contrast to the exhortation not to look back, the Psalm invites one to remember
the great things that God has done.  We find often in the Psalms the exhortation to remember God's goodness; Ps 78:1-7 is one example parents may take to heart.  Keeping a journal is one way to remember God's faithfulness.  Reading of God's past faithfulness is a great way to give a lift to the present.

6.  I keep a penny in my car, and it reminds me of God's daily Presence. Arthur use to save his pennies for youth group.  When Arthur died, his mother requested memorial donations be made to the youth group.  After

depositing gifts made in Arthur's memory, I found a shiny penny in the bank's driveway.   One more penny from Arthur.  A God-incidence, I think.

7.  Look forward now to Holy Week.  On Holy Thursday we
commemorate the Last Supper which was a Passover Meal.  Jews continue to commemorate Passover.  To learn more about the Passover celebration, visit http://www.holidays.net/passover/