Though the mountains leave their place

and the hills be shaken,

my love shall never leave you

nor my covenant of peace be shaken,

says the LORD, who has mercy on you.

Today’s scripture promises that “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” When we look at today’s world that is physically and spiritually tarnished by war and hatred, it can be difficult to recognize where exactly that goodness is. Even tribulations in our personal lives may prompt us to question, “Where are you, God?” However, we must not lose faith in God’s grace and His comfort. Let us look to Abraham as an example of how we can respond to adversity as this Lenten season comes to an end.

Like Abraham, we should respond to God’s call with a resounding “Here I am!” As we look forward to celebrating the resurrection of our Savior this Easter, let us emulate Abraham’s faith. Consider the anguish that Abraham may have experienced when God commands him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Despite the immense pain that Abraham may have felt in this moment, he trusts in the Lord and offers Isaac as a sacrifice. The Lord does not take Isaac from Abraham, but sends an angel to save him and blesses the subsequent generations of Abraham’s descendants. No matter the minuteness or gravity of our affliction, let us respond to our trials as Abraham does -- by trusting in the Lord. Offer up your pain and your gratitude to Christ through prayer, and the world’s goodness that seems fleeting at first will be restored, as it was for Abraham.

Today’s reading reminds us that just as water replenishes the earth, the Holy Spirit brings us to Christ through the sacraments, so that we may be with him and act in accordance with God’s will During this Holy Week, let us dutifully strive to love God as He loves us, for we are made in his image, and He created us to love Him. May God also help us to sincerely direct our love towards the benevolence of others. Pray in earnest, asking the Lord to “Create a clean heart in me, O God,” and renew man’s natural goodness.

God lives with us in our struggles. He became incarnate to promulgate the true nature of Mosaic law, so that we may strive to live a more perfect life as he did. When difficulties arise in our lives, do not forget that Jesus sympathizes – literally lives with us. Amidst suffering, understand that God’s works are manifold. He tells us that “As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.” As human beings, we are near-sighted and cannot fathom God’s holistic plan. However, by implementing the tenets of Lent – seeking Christ in prayer, serving as Christ does, and sacrificing to the Lord – we can become more awake to our personal vocation, and to our place in God’s truly good world.

Lord, send out your Spirit so that we may recognize our place in your mighty plan. Shine your grace on us so that we may love as you do and proclaim that the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. Amen.