Day Fourteen: The Call to True Repentance
Thursday, Second Week of Lent

Scripture Passage:
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: it fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

Opening Reflection:
Trusting in God is the foundation of a life rooted in faith. Jeremiah contrasts those who trust in themselves with those who rely on the Lord. While human strength is fragile and fleeting, God’s grace is steadfast. Lent invites us to examine where we place our trust—do we lean on our own understanding, or do we truly rely on God?

Meditative Reflection:
Jesus warns against hardened hearts, using the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man, despite his wealth, was spiritually barren because he failed to love and serve others. His trust was in earthly riches rather than in God’s mercy. Lazarus, though poor and suffering, was ultimately comforted in God’s presence.

This passage is a sobering reminder that material success does not determine our spiritual well-being. A life centered on self leads to emptiness, but a life rooted in God bears fruit. True repentance means reorienting our hearts, placing our hope in Him rather than in the passing securities of the world.

Reflection Questions:

  • In what areas of my life do I struggle to trust in God?
  • How can I grow in generosity and awareness of those in need?

Lenten Question:
Q: Why does Jesus warn about riches in relation to salvation?
A: Because wealth can lead to self-reliance, making us forget our dependence on God and the call to love others.

Lenten Action:
Perform an act of charity today. Whether it is sharing resources, offering encouragement, or giving time to someone in need, choose to love generously.

Concluding Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust in You above all things. Teach me to rely not on my own strength but on Your unfailing grace. Open my heart to the needs of others, that I may love as You love. May my life be deeply rooted in You, bearing fruit that leads to eternal life. Amen.

Resources for Lenten Prayers and Reflections:

Daily Saints and Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Lenten Reflections | EWTN | https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/reflections/lent

Lenten Prayers and Daily Reflections | My Catholic Life | https://mycatholic.life/lent-prayers-reflections/