The Prime Minister of a certain country was on one occasion unwise enough to say in public "when I want to know what the people of this country want,I just look into my own heart." He was not allowed to forget that claim !

There was, however, One who could without exaggeration or pride say that when he wanted to know what his fellow men and women wanted he would find it in his own heart. That One was Christ Jesus of today's second reading. As a man he understood the real needs and desires rooted deep in our hearts. He experienced them himself and he must have been hurt and frustrated when he could not satisfy them. With a clearer and deeper grasp of what we really need, however, he has the patience to wait for himself and for us.

In the Gospel Jesus tells us that on the cross he would draw us to himself. He made salvation available to us. By his example and by the grace he won for us he softened and enriched our hearts and made them fertile ground for God's love. In the usage of Jesus' time "heart" was the source of wise planning and warm love.

Lent, as the second Preface tells us, is the sacred time for renewing and purifying our hearts. In the name of Jesus we can ask God for a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. We may hope that God's love will imbed itself in our hearts. Action will then follow.