A CRY FOR MERCY

 O Lord, this holy season of Lent
is passing quickly. I entered into it
with fear, but also with great
expectations. I hoped for a great
breakthrough, a powerful conversion,
a real change of heart; I wanted Easter
to be a day so full of light that
not even a trace of darkness
would be left in my soul.  
But I know that you do not come
to your people with thunder and
lightning. Even St. Paul and
St. Francis journeyed through
much darkness before they could
see your light. Let me be thankful
for your gentle way. I know you are
at work. I know you will not leave
me alone. I know you are quickening
me for Easter – but in a way fitting
to my own history and my own
temperament.   I pray that these last
three weeks, in which you invite me
to enter more fully into the mystery
of your passion, will bring me a greater
desire to follow you on the way that
you create for me and to accept the
cross that you give to me. Let me
die to the desire to choose my own
way and select my own desire. You
do not want to make me a hero but
a servant who loves you.   Be with
me tomorrow and in the days to
come, and let me experience
your gentle presence. Amen

Presented by Stanski
written by Henri Nouwen
March 19, 2023, ^