Taking Refuge in God – Lenten Reflection by Dr. McGrath

Responsorial Psalm:  O Lord, My God, in you I take refuge

Many of us don’t relate to the concept of a refuge.  We think of refugees – those in need of a refuge – as people fleeing from terrorists or dictators.  But we can be more dangerous to ourselves than a well-trained assassin.  God offers Himself as our refuge where we can set aside our excuses and rationalizations and learn to be responsive to God’s love and mercy.  We can experience relief from the torment of our problems and doubts.  We can admit that we need help and, once we do, God shows us that we don’t have to solve life’s problems on our own.  God provides the refuge.  All we have to do is enter it with an open heart and an open mind.

While blinded by my own pride, confusion and distrust, O Lord, in you I take

        refuge…

While suffering the sting of rejection, O Lord, in you I take refuge…

While denying my own pettiness and lack of charity, O Lord, in you I take

        refuge…

While enduring the loss of friends and loved ones, O Lord, in you I take

        refuge…

Dr. Elizabeth McGrath has taught in the Department of Philosophy at Conception Seminary College since the fall of 2001.