Reading Father Peter Julian Eymard’s retreat notes, I am always amazed at how brutally honest he was in the reflections he wrote. Yet, reading his hundreds of letters, I’m touched by how gentle and compassionate he was with the people he spiritually counseled. And yet, he was so tough on himself.

I’ve often wondered if Father Eymard knew the Examen of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Following a moment of gratitude, there is a suggestion to ask for help from the Spirit to look at oneself honestly before moving on to a frank conversation with the Lord about moving forward with a heart contrite and resolve to do better.

Lent starts each year with that iconic first line from the prophet Joel, telling us that the good Lord wants us to return to him with our whole heart more than prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. So, what’s our whole heart?

In today’s Gospel (from the Sermon on the Mount), Jesus challenges us with strong words about what’s in our heart. If we are angry with one of our sisters or brothers, we must be reconciled before approaching the altar.

So, during this Lenten time, I ask the Lord, “Show me, Lord, what’s in the heart you want today?” I know it’s a complex mix of feelings: gratefulness for all the gifts and wonderful people you have put in my life AND feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration over what I “judge” to be in the hearts of so many, especially friends, family members, and leaders at many levels.

So, at Mass and in my prayer today, I will bring a heart full of complex feelings. I will pray especially for healing and forgiveness.

What’s in your heart today?

Let Us Pray:

Create in me, O God, a clean heart. Put into me a new and constant spirit.