Lent Day 11: March 21

This morning we welcome guest blogger Carol Miller, who reflects on what it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Lenten Reflection for Day 11

Date: Monday March 21, 2011

Author: Carol Miller

Bible Passage:

Matthew 5:6 (NRSV)

⁶ “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Reflection:

My mother-in-law often says that we eat a lot at our church. This is a physical hunger and thirst that we satisfy with food and drink.

But what does this parable mean? If we hunger and thirst for righteousness we will be filled. I see this as being filled to overflowing with God’s love and forgiveness. This filling up of our own selves will then overflow to others by being humble, forgiving, loving and caring and doing acts of kindness to others.

As children of God our hunger and thirst is also to strive for a right relationship with God. He is the food and drink that we need to nourish our spiritual lives. All we have to do is just ask and we will be filled with this abundant nourishment.

As in the words of a favorite hymn:

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.

No merit of my own I claim, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

When he shall come with trumpet sound, oh may I then in Him be found

Clothed in his righteousness alone, redeemed to stand before the throne.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Open our hearts and minds to receive your abundant nourishment.