Interior Renovation

Today’s readings.

All of today’s readings signal that it’s entirely possible to surround ourselves with religious language and practices and still remain internally untouched. The more subtle danger is not outright hypocrisy, but the slow shaping of our interior life by whatever we constantly take in. Our eyes and ears are formative, and when we fill them with noise, outrage, divisive commentary—even under the banner of being “informed”—it makes it difficult to cultivate the kind of humility and mercy the Gospel asks of us. Once again, we are reminded that Lent is not only about what we give up externally; it’s about interior renovation.  It is refocusing our eyes and training our ears so that God’s voice is not competing with a hundred others.

Today’s practice — Fasting:

Fast with your eyes and ears today. Step away from news feeds, social media scrolling, podcasts, and commentary that stir worry or division. In their place, read a short spiritual text, sit quietly with the Gospel for ten minutes, or turn off the music on your drive and allow God to be with you in the silence.