On the road to salvation
Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
As I read today’s readings all I kept thinking was, “It is so hard to follow the rules sometimes!”
I pictured myself as a young girl trying my best to do what was right. But there was that one occasion when I told my mom about being at a quinceañera practice and later went to the park with my friends without their consent. Let’s just say that got me in a whole lot of trouble!
Our journey on earth will have trips and falls. Reflecting on them and making changes can help transform us into who we are truly meant to be.
At Catholic Charities we serve those who have fallen. Who maybe broke a rule or, by no fault of their own, were part of a brokenness altogether. But we are there. Walking alongside people as their lives are transformed, in their journey of seeking forgiveness and another chance to live a dignified life. It all starts with us, with an ingredient called love.
That ingredient involves loving ourselves and understanding the gift that we are. It involves sharing love with others by offering a smile, an embrace, or a moment of patience as they cut us off on the road. It involves forgiving others when we’ve been deeply hurt. It’s the love of our Lord on the cross.
Jesus’ words from today’s gospel, “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,” can remind us that it starts with us. That’s a direction for us to follow closely so we can spread this love and create a more just, peaceful and hopeful life — one that will lead us later towards salvation.
May this Lenten season bring a new change within us for the good of the world and those who dwell in it.
Dulce Valdez is the Parish and Diocesan Engagement Manager at Catholic Charities Community Services AZ & Chair for the CCUSA’s Parish Social Ministry Leadership Team.