I was asked to write a reflection for a Lenten booklet.

This Liturgical year has been declared the year of Sts. Peter and Paul and the Lenten Reflection Booklet put out by Our Lady of Wisdom is using verses from St. Paul's epistles. I was asked to choose a verse and write a reflection and it wasn't an easy task.

It had been hanging over my head for a while and one night as I was watching a television show, the verse I chose was quoted by one of the show's characters and expounded upon. I loved it and took it as my sign that this is what I was supposed to write about.

So after some prayer and pondering on the subject, this is my submission.

Holiness

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

- Galatians 3:28

Along my spiritual journey, I seem to repeatedly come face-to-face with the fear that I’m not holy enough. Whether from observing other families at Mass or hearing friends casually mention God in conversation, I have often felt my mind’s eye turn inward to make judgment on my soul.

This "holiness" introspection doesn’t reference a specific incident. It’s not at all like reflecting on my behavior when I’m impatient with my kids or, better yet, judgmental of a mother who lost her cool in the middle of the grocery store. No, it’s more like swinging at the carnival strength meter with the sledgehammer and not being strong enough to ring the bell.

But is there even such a thing as a holiness meter? Does this meter register "not worthy" when I take a swing at it? St. Paul calls out to me in this verse, telling me that in the eyes of the Lord, we’re all the same--each made in God’s image and likeness. It matters not what we may think of one another (or even ourselves!); God loves each of us the same and we are each granted equal access to Him.

This Lenten season, I vow to stop wondering if I "measure up" and instead ponder more important questions: Do I speak to my children often enough about the Gospel after Mass? Is God as much of a part of my family life as He should be? Do my children see Jesus through me? I reflect on this with the intention of deepening my relationship with the Lord and accepting and loving myself just as I am, just as our loving Father made me.

Faithful and Loving Father, keep me mindful of your blessed love for me especially when I am in doubt.

~Megan Perkins

Our Lady of Wisdom Parishioner