Day Thirty-Eight - Refining Fire

Today's Reflection
by Grace Chaffins

What is the purpose of Lent? As we enter into the last days of the Lenten season, let us again reflect on what it means. Lent is a period when we draw closer to Christ, entering deeply into his passion and death, cleansing ourselves from sin, and renewing our baptismal promises. Through suffering and self-discipline, we can more fully participate in Lent. Suffering is a refining fire, removing all impurities from us and allowing us to detach ourselves from the world.

In Praying with Saint Luke's Gospel (Magnificat), this refining fire is beautifully explained:

When a refiner [God] has to purify silver [us] he has to hold it to the hottest part of the flame. He does this so that he can guarantee all of its impurities have been burned off. He personally has to hold it there as well, because if it is unattended it might be left in too long and the silver would be lost. And how does the refiner know that all the impurities are burned off? He can begin to see his own reflection in the silver.

Although the heat of the fire may hurt, we know that it is the very purpose of our life. These last few days of Lent, let us accept our sufferings and recognize that they draw us closer to God. During Holy Week, let us unite these sufferings to the cross of Christ, knowing that there is nothing that cannot be used for good.

Prayer in Times of Suffering

Behold me, my beloved Jesus, weighed down under the burden of my trials and sufferings, I cast myself at Your feet, that You may renew my strength and my courage, while I rest here in Your Presence. Permit me to lay down my cross in Your Sacred Heart, for only Your infinite goodness can sustain me; only Your love can help me bear my cross; only Your powerful hand can lighten its weight. O Divine King, Jesus, whose heart is so compassionate to the afflicted, I wish to live in You; suffer and die in You. During my life be to me my model and my support; At the hour of my death, be my hope and my refuge.
Amen.

Prayer published by Catholic Online.