February 24, Wednesday Lenten Weekday

A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.--Psalm 51:19

Mass readings: Jonah 3:1-10 / Luke 11:29-32

Nosey Intruders?

An outsider in a foreign land pointing out the locals' evils will certainly not be welcomed, but our Jonah is accepted. Surprisingly, his prophetic words are heeded. How often in our lives did an outsider point to the obvious? How often does truth come from the mouth of babes? And what kind of reception do we give them? Being a New Yorker, from Brooklyn no less, I was very cynical and suspect of good intentions -- a crustiness that has (mostly) disappeared.

Therapy can be very difficult at times. Advice from friends and family can be stinging. Pride and ego want no part of this correction. I want to believe that I know all that I need to know, but of course I don't. An outsiders' perspective can literally be a life-saving one.

Prayer: Give me a little nudge, Lord, to listen and heed when others offer me sound advice.