Genesis 2:7–9; 3:1–7; Romans 5:12–19; Matthew 4:1–11

On this First Sunday of Lent, we hear from Psalm 51 as our Responsorial. This is such a powerful Psalm to begin our Lenten journey. Long before I was a principal, I was a 2nd grade teacher in South-Central Los Angeles at a financially impoverished, but rich in faith, Catholic school. 

On Friday’s, we prayed Psalm 51 as a class, and in an age appropriate way with 2nd graders, we focused on the words, “A clean heart create for me, O God” and “O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.” As you may imagine, the children embraced the opportunity to talk about and pray about these words. It was more than teaching the Bible, or our Catholic faith - it was an opportunity for young children to connect in a very real and personal way with our God. 

Many years later, one of my students found me working at another school, and came by to see me. She asked me if I remember teaching the class Pslam 51, and I shouted with joy, “oh yes.” 

I then asked her what she remembered, and she shared: “By the time I was in 5th grade, I prayed every night for a clean heart. That image gave me so much joy. As I got older, I found myself uttering the words about proclaiming God’s praise every time I opened the Bible with my mom.” 

I’m reminded, “We plant the seeds that one day will grow.” 

Neil Quinly

SMPrep Lower School Principal

How can I work to create a clean heart within myself? What can I do so that my words reflect my love for God? How can I connect in a real and personal way with God today? 

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