2026/02/15 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Nicole Zenner, Chief of Staff & Strategy
This Sunday’s readings speak about something both freeing and unsettling: we have a choice. I think of the choices I’ve made that have been empowering and sadly, those that have hurt others. I think of the choices others have made for me to be where I am in my life, and how some of their choices hurt me.
In Sirach we hear, “If you choose, you can keep the commandments.” God does not force our hand. He places before us life and death, trust and self-reliance, and invites us to decide. I find myself sitting with that word choose more than usual. Because if I’m honest, I often choose to rely on myself rather than on God.
I feel it when friendships shift and change and I am tempted to protect my heart instead of keeping it open. I feel it when I watch the news and my heart grows heavy with the evil present in our world and the inaction of those in leadership. I feel it when life feels uncertain and I quietly decide that I must be the one to hold everything together. Fear tells me that self-reliance is safer than trust.
In the second reading this Sunday, St. Paul reminds us that God’s wisdom is deeper than what we can see on the surface. It is revealed to hearts that are open, willing to look beyond what is comfortable. Faith is not meant to remain shallow. There is always more God wants to show us — if we are willing to let Him.
Then Jesus, in the Gospel, raises the invitation even higher. It is not enough to simply avoid wrongdoing. He asks us to look at anger, grudges, harsh words, and divided hearts. He calls us beyond external rule-keeping to interior conversion. To let God work on what is hidden within us.
This is where I feel both challenged and hopeful as Lent approaches.
Because inner conversion requires letting go. Letting go of control. Letting go of the belief that I must manage everything on my own. Letting go of the temptation to close off when the world feels overwhelming. It requires trust — something I know I struggle with deeply.
This is why our parish sets aside time for a mission.
A parish mission is not simply another event to attend or a financial ask. It is intentional space to slow down, to listen, and to allow God to meet us beneath the surface. As acclaimed singer, songwriter, and worship leader, Matt Maher leads us in prayer and reflection, we are given a rare opportunity to step away from the noise and create room for the kind of heart-level transformation Jesus speaks about today.
As Lent draws near, these readings ask us: What are you choosing? May we choose to loosen our grip on self-reliance. May we choose to keep our hearts open. And may we choose to allow God to begin a deeper work within us.