March 23, Tuesday Lenten Weekday

O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you-- Psalm 102:2

Mass readings: Numbers 21:4-9 / John 8:21-30

The Internal 'Yes'

Before the Chevrolet ground to a halt in the gravel road, we knew Aunt Jean was not pleased! We three girls had decided to go to town without asking her permission. We had only one bicycle, and by the time Aunt Jean found us, we were arguing over who had to push it. I fully expected her to put the bike in the trunk, and three little girls in the back seat. But, no. ''Turn around and go back the way you came!'' she announced. Three young ladies learned two age-old lessons that hot summer morning. First, ask permission. Second, it's a long way back!

I have a friend who never gives the external (that is, his) ''yes'' before he's heard the internal (that is, God's) ''yes.'' This was our Lord's practice also, as shown to us in today's Gospel reading about who He is and the death He was to suffer.

Prayer: May we say with You, Lord, ''I always do what is pleasing to Him.''