8 March 2018
Thursday of the Third Week of Lent
St. Therese of Lisieux spent the last nine years of her life at a Carmelite convent. Her romantic fantasies of Carmel left quickly because she was often looked down upon by other nuns for being too childish. Moreover, she had to deal with the clashes of communal life, the cold, the new diet and the difficulties of prayer. Some of the habits of her religious sisters irritated her, but Therese did not let this get to her. She would offer up her frustrations and bear them with a smile. It was during this time she conceived her “little way.” For example, a nun made strange, clacking noises in chapel. The clacking sound really got to Therese and she was pouring sweat in frustration. Therese tried to shut her ears, but was unsuccessful. Then, as an example of her ‘little ways’, she made a concert out of the clacking and offered it as a prayer to Jesus.”
In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah is frustrated because the people to whom God sends him will not listen. In the Gospel, we hear that the Evil Spirit can get people to demonize each other, and, therefore, suspicion and distrust arise from among the people. Perhaps, in his humanity, Jesus was also frustrated with people around him that demonize each other. We are reaching the midpoint of Lent. We are half way through the time we have to take advantage of this great season. Perhaps you are frustrated with the progress that you made for your Lenten observance. In your prayer today, you can bring to God whatever frustration that you have. Perhaps you can ask God to lift up your frustration or ask for the grace of peace and consolation so as not to be bothered with any frustration. Or, ask God for whatever you need to make the rest of your Lenten season become more meaningful.