Have you ever sat with someone having a blood transfusion? Fortunate to have that experience as an intern chaplain, I remember the patient coming in lethargic, pale, barely verbal. A family member who usually sat with their loved one during the transfusion called ahead of time and requested a chaplain to be present since they could not be. What transpired was something you can imagine: color returned, energy, conversation, a humbled spirit of renewal, and gratitude to God for this gift of technology! At the beginning and end of our time together, we shared an inspirational prayer, a renewed spirit, and a clean heart.

During this holy season, we hope to undergo a transfusion of our spiritual life, our service and care-giving life. We are on a journey to the great and holy city of Jerusalem. Jonah and Christ spur us on and sit with us as they walk with us in this transformation of heart, mind, and soul. The psalm invites us to pray for mercy, contriteness, and a renewed presence in the Holy Spirit.

Now, one week into Lent, we review the Ash Wednesday promise to change our hearts and create a clean one. As transfusion patient returns regularly for the cleansing of their heart and renewed blood, may we, too, keep working at this transformation. We know it is the Eucharist that transforms our hearts and inspires us to be Christ to the world. We know we have the most significant sign with us: we repent, renew, and make our hearts whole again in Eucharistic love.

What bad blood must I have filtered out of my heart? Removed permanently?

Let Us Pray:

Lord God, I know that even now, I am able to change my heart with your grace.
May I return to you with my whole heart, for you are gracious and merciful.
Through Christ our Lord. (A Prayer with the Verse Before Today’s Gospel, based on Joel 2:12-13)