Daily Reading
Daily Reflection
Walker Percy, the late novelist and metaphysician, once said in conversation, "I have learned that the most important difference between people is between those for whom life is a quest and those for whom it is not." Nicodemus was certainly someone who was on a quest and who took spiritual matters seriously. He was intrigued by Jesus and open but he lacked a basic spiritual understanding. Nicodemus was a brilliant and accomplished scholar and would no doubt be one of those people of whom we say "he's forgotten more than I know." How humbling it must have been for him to be told that there is a kind of knowing that can only be given by God's spirit. That for a person to even see the realities of God's reign he or she must have a new birth from the Holy Spirit. There is a knowing, a seeing, an understanding that God must open to us (John 3:3). If we want to experience Lenten renewal, one of the most important things we can know is that salvation is a gift of God's grace and mercy. It is not merited or earned. Therefore, spiritual growth begins with humility. Jesus knew that Nicodemus was on a quest and he knows our hearts too. He wants us to know that God is at work not only in answering our questions but, prior to that, enabling us to know what to ask. An old hymn puts this thought beautifully into prayer:
Open my eyes, that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Daily Worship Resources
Morning Readings: Psalm 32 > | Exodus 34:1-9, 27-28 >
Evening Readings: Matthew 18:10-14 >
Other Resources
Read Introduction to the Lent Tradition >
Download pdf of entire Lent devotion >