Thursday of the Third Week of Lent March 3, 2005 Scripture: Jeremiah 7:23-28; Luke 11:14-23 Reflection: I recently came across a website on wellness that promised its readers help in finding immediate fulfillment in life. Wellness in body, mind, and/or spirit has become somewhat of an obsession in our American culture—and definitely big business. Books, magazines, diets, and advertisements for everything from exercise equipment to retreats are touted as the answer to our desire to “be well.” Today the prophet Jeremiah enters the scene proclaiming that we must obey the voice of God “so that it may be well” with us. For Jeremiah, this voice does not command burnt offerings and sacrifices, but is, rather, a living, breathing covenant of love found in every human heart. Ours is a tender God who desires to be in intimate relationship with us, who loves us with an everlasting love, who forgives us, and doesn’t even remember our sins. Jeremiah announces the good news that what God desires of us is faithfulness and right relationships, a theme we hear often during this Lenten season. Suggested Action: Take a few quiet moments to recognize the Spirit of God within you, living in unison with your own heart and breath. Be attentive to what you hear, and carry that same faithful, unconditional love to someone in your world today. Sr. Catherine Luxner, IHM Dunmore, Pennsylvania