St John Ogilvie SJ | Thursday 10 March 2022

Today is Thursday the 10th of March, the feast of St John Ogilvie SJ, in the first week of Lent.
The community of Taizé sing Da Pacem Cordium: "Give peace to our hearts". As I listen, I might join in this prayer, asking the Lord for peace in my heart, asking God to help me still myself for a moment, so I can listen to his gentle voice, speaking to my heart.

Today's reading is from the Prophet Isaiah.
Isaiah 50:5-9
The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backwards. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.
The Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord GOD who helps me; who will declare me guilty? All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.

During this Lenten season, we sometimes find ourselves listening out for the voice of God; have you ever felt that? Perhaps you find yourself here today…
Today's reading includes the confident statement that "the Lord God has opened my ear; and I was not rebellious". Have you ever been able to say that?
We do not know who the anonymous prophet was who uttered this prayer, but he has clearly been through a very rough time: "I gave my back to those who struck me and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insults and spitting." Have you ever felt like that?
He has not however despaired that God is with him, because "the Lord God helps me; therefore, I have not been disgraced". Have you ever been able to say that?

Now listen as the passage is read once more, and ask, "Who are my adversaries?"

Finally, you might like to gather together all the thoughts and feelings that are going on inside you, and turn them into a prayer to God in your own words.

You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.