On Poverty: The Wounded Hands of Jesus (Lent Part Five)

The last few weeks, we've been in the wilderness for Lent… but you can only stay in the desert so long. And when the Lord came out of the desert, he was very focused on his mission, with one moment in mind: going to the cross, and ultimately giving his life.

As we move towards Holy Week and the Triduum: stay focused. Look at Jesus on the cross.

For three episodes, we're going to ponder the wounds of Christ and relate them to the three evangelical counsels: poverty, obedience and chastity.

(People might think these are just for consecrated religious. And yes, we take vows. But the Catechism, St JPII, St Bonaventure—and more—all propose that these are for every disciple to grow in imitation of Jesus.)

Today's episode is all about poverty… but we don't talk about possessions. Look at Christ's wounded hands, nailed to the cross; they're a manifestation of Jesus' own poverty. He can't grasp at anything, but can only receive anything from the Father. His hands and wide open arms are all receptivity.

At the culmination of his life, he has given everything; let go of everything, for the sake of love. Absolute and total surrender.

What about when we grasp? Try to control things? Think we know what will fulfill us, or others? This week, examine where you might be grasping—not receiving—the good gifts that the Lord is offering.

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