Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent February 23, 2005 Scripture: Jeremiah 18: 18-20; Matthew 20: 17-28 Reflection: As I read the passage of Jeremiah in the Jerusalem Bible, the words pay attention jumped out at me. In this short passage the words appear twice. Those who are plotting against Jeremiah don’t want to pay attention to anything he says, whereas Jeremiah asks the Lord to pay attention to him. In Matthew, Jesus is informing his apostles about his future death and resurrection. Right away the mother of Zebedee’s sons, instead of commiserating with Jesus, was intent on getting a place of honor for her sons. She never heard that we need to earn our place of honor in the next life. How often as a chaplain I would have to bring myself back to the person in front of me, as my thoughts would wander to future plans. Many times at Mass or when sitting down to pray I find my mind a million miles away. Paying attention is hard work. It takes patience and practice. Paying attention costs. Suggested Action: Today make every effort to pay attention to God and others. Sr. Karen Marie O’Neill, IHM Bethesda, Maryland