Come now, let’s talk this over.

Dear friends, as we journey into this second week of Lent, the Lord calls us to dialogue. Dialogue (διας λογος) means two parties laying matters on the table and coming up with a consensus. These parties are called to be equal in this dialogue. This makes the ambiance of the dialogue sweet, and positive results are expected. Our God has become a God of dialogue. He has lowered himself to join us. The incarnation is the epitome of this act. When God chooses to become part of us, he enters into dialogue as we see him in the gospel text: He reminds us of the respect we should give religious leaders.

In this dialogue, the Lord starts by speaking out facts. The truth is that the Lord is tired of our offerings. Our prayers seem disgusting to him due to our sins, just like in any other dialogue. We need to lay out the truths. We have fallen short of the glory of God. Appearances often take us up, and we forget the health of our souls.

On the contrary, the Lord has remained faithful. When we go to the sacrament of reconciliation, we must state the facts. The sacrament of confession is not a moment of self-justification. It is a time to lay ourselves open before God.

After stating the facts, solutions are laid on the table. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18) The Lord is ready to forget the dirty facts. He is prepared to make a new beginning with us. This period of Lent is a time to use this dialogue best. Let us talk this over with our God. We shall then find fulfillment in our vocation to holiness.

Let us pray

Most merciful Father, we bless you for your love. Your incarnation is a sign of dialogue with us. We are touched by this beautiful call to dialogue. We acknowledge the many moments that we have not responded to this call. We pray, Father, that this Lenten period helps us to find you more often in sacraments, especially confession and the Eucharist.