Fifth Sunday of Lent

During the season of Lent, the cry to God to “create a clean heart” and “renew a steadfast spirit” within us hits more deeply. We’ve been making sacrifices, cutting out the things in our lives that keep us from His love. The struggle reminds us how much we need Him, but it’s tempting to want God to do everything — to throw up our hands like a frustrated child and say, “You do it.” Yet in today’s Gospel, Jesus is specifically inviting us to join in the process of our own interior conversion.

How can we cooperate with the grace He has to offer if we don’t take any action? St. Paul’s letter to the Hebrews reminds us that Christ Himself still had to offer “prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears” and “learn obedience from what he suffered.” Jesus, perfect Jesus, teaches us what it means to be both humble and active in the transformation of our hearts.

The Gospel even reminds us that we need to die to ourselves like grains of wheat. As any good gardener knows, even the dead things can make fertile soil. God wants to partner with you to dig deeper and cut away the deadness that no longer serves you. Our God, Divine Gentleman that He is, won’t do it without you. Will you join Him?

Is there an area of your life where you feel overwhelmed? Invite the Lord into this place with you.

Where in your life has God been calling you to conversion this Lent?

What is one way that you can partner with God this week to draw closer to Him on this Lenten journey?