Fifth Sunday of Lent: A Lenten Prayer to Heal Our Hearts

BY ELLIE HIDALGO | March 17th, 2024
Today’s readings
Versión en español

“Create a clean heart in me, Oh God,” says the responsorial psalm in today’s readings. 

Psalm 51 was written by King David after he recognizes the great harm he has done to Bathsheba and her husband whom he intentionally placed at the front lines of battle to have him killed. David appeals to God for the graces he needs to return to his true self. 

“Create a clean heart in me, Oh God.” 

It’s a simple yet profound prayer reminding us that we do not hold our transgressions by ourselves. Lent invites us to look at the state of our hearts and remember the bigger heart we each belong to. We can take some prayerful time to look at our faults, motivations, or ways of relating to people that fall short of what is actually needed.  

It would be nearly impossible to do this spiritual work on our own and not be overwhelmed with shame. The wisdom of this psalm is in David’s humility and hope as he asks for God’s help. We can do the same. 

“Create a clean heart in me, Oh God.” 

The Good News of our faith is that hearts that are soiled by anger, greed, or fear can be refreshed. We don’t have to stay stuck in desolation, disappointment, or regret. The waters of forgiveness and God’s cleansing, healing love are available to us. 

“Create a clean heart in me, Oh God.” 

“We want to let love live through us,” Fr. Greg Boyle told the homeboys and homegirls on Ash Wednesday. We want to be in the world as God is – compassionate, loving, kind. 

And as we do our own inner work, the possibilities for entering into kinship and solidarity with others multiply. Lent prepares us to become a people – God’s people – capable of letting God’s love live through us. 

“Create a clean heart in me, Oh God.”