Lenten Reflections

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By Jessie Diggins ’23

Preceding today’s gospel, Christ tells us to “cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.” This is perhaps one of the most blatant examples of something that is easier said than done. To not only rid oneself of past sins—shame and all—but also to take on a new heart, a new spirit, that such failings may be avoided in the future, is, of course, impossible without divine graces—particularly those purchased for us through Christ’s fast approaching Passion.

At multiple points in today’s readings, it is detailed some of the ways in which God offers us these soul-saving graces. Notable among these examples is consistent reference to Christ as a shepherd. The first reading states that “there shall be one shepherd for [us] all,” and the responsorial psalm proclaims that “the Lord will guard us, as a shepherd guards his flock.” Christ has already stepped into His role as a shepherd, so it is now just up to us to accept our calling to be sheep. Taking on the title and qualities of a sheep is not only difficult, but profoundly countercultural. We use the word “sheep” as an insult, to diminish the sanctity of being a good follower. This surrender to and trust in Christ, however, is the path to salvation. Christ, please be with us as we approach your Crucifixion and Resurrection to help us better emulate sheep, that we truly may cast away our crimes and make for ourselves a new heart and spirit.