The human heart is so tortuous, twisted, and deceitful it's beyond remedy. It cannot be understood, except by God (Jer 17:10). The human heart can become so hard that we don't even notice a starving person right in front of us (see Lk 16:20ff) and wouldn't be affected even by someone coming to us from the dead (Lk 16:31). What does it take for God to change the human heart? Jesus implied that listening to Moses and the prophets — that is, the Bible — has more power to change our hearts than an encounter with someone risen from the dead (Lk 16:31).

You are reading this because you want to get deeper into God's word. This Lent, "devote yourself to the reading of Scripture" as never before (1 Tm 4:13). Fast and read God's word. Pray and read. Read and pray. Read and share. "Search the Scriptures" (Jn 5:39). Let God's word enlarge you (Acts 20:32). Bathe yourself in God's word (Eph 5:26). Let the word clean you (Jn 15:3). Let it penetrate, divide, and judge you (Heb 4:12).

As you get deeper into the word during these forty days of Lent, you will devour the word as it becomes the joy and happiness of your heart (Jer 15:16). Then your heart will change. It will become true, pure, warm, and open.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 11, 2008

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