Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

As we slowly move to the mid-point along the Lenten journey, I would like to share some reflections and application of the 10 Commandments on our walk. Much of what I will share comes from Sister Joan Chittister, O.S.B. a Benedictine Nun who lives and serves in my hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania. She uniquely captures the spirit of the Ten Commandments or as she calls them the “Laws of the Heart.” When we learned the 10 Commandments, we learned that the first three dealt with our relationship with God and the other seven covered our relationship with one another. Most of the Scriptural language and intention coming from the 10 Commandments at first seems very simple and clear in the do’s and don’ts. As we read further into Sacred Scripture we begin to understand and grasp what each of God’s commands means. We come to know them as the heart of the Mosaic Covenant between God and the people of Israel.

The First Commandment says, “I, the Lord, am your God, you shall not have other gods besides me.” – Exodus 20:3, Sister Chittister invites to understand and apply this commandment as the “Law of Reflection.” In our Lenten practices to pray, fast and offer alms our reflection can focus on the times we have entertained many lesser idols which lay waste to our lives and relationships whether it is done in the pursuit of numbing drives for wealth, power, prestige, an emulation of certain people, ideologies or drug enhanced states to name but a few. This commandment is about calling us back to remember what is truly important in life. It is about offering us a freedom from the delusion that things, certain people, positions, and even types of relationships can trap and ensnare us. The Commandment of Reflection, reminds us that we have opportunities to learn more about God and God’s vision of us. This commandment is about taking the time to dismantle the illusions, and to examine what we have placed before God, but it also gives us hope to touch the love of God that surrounds us and lead us home to God and to know ourselves more deeply. Next week I will share with you some reflections on the Second and Third Commandments as part of our relationship and Lenten walk with the Lord.

Blessings!

Fr. Bill