Lent is taking the means to get closer to God during this season.
In the bible we read:
‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.’ Romans 12:2
Let us see what we can do better in our lives. Renewing our minds will shed light on the good and the negative in our lives. Seeking God must be on our minds in making a choice.
‘Learn to do good, and make justice your aim’ Isaiah 1; 17.
Lent is the time to reflect, on how we can improve our spiritual life during these 40 days before Easter. It is also a time to change and develop new habits. Let us leave our old ways so that a new way may emerge.
Try to add something to your life, such as reciting the rosary, which will make you get closer to the Virgin Mary who stood by the Cross. During the day, often repeat this prayer as you work or walk or…… etc.
‘HAIL MARY FULL OF GRACE, THE Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst woman and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus, Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death, Amen.’
Lent is a time to pray more, to be attentive to the presence of God. Let us walk with Jesus and follow in his footsteps. Learn about him by reading and praying with the Bible, it is a book that has vital messages, words that may shed light on your everyday problems. We use words as a means of communicating with God. You might appreciate some good quotes as you pray the psalms daily during this Lent and to enjoy God’s mercy and forgiveness. His mercy gives us life as He watches over us. Let us ask the Lord to draw us closer to His heart, He who loves us unconditionally.
‘All things work for the good for those who love God’, these comforting words are found in Romans chapter 8; 28. We accept Jesus’ ‘Words’, as they can deepen our inner life with Him.
Pope Francis quoted from the letter of St. James 1; 32. We need to be ‘doers of the Word, and not hearers only ‘, he invites us to listen and to act like Jesus and let him enter our lives.
Also during Lent you may prefer reading the New Testament and you will find some events that will lead you to the Holy Week and the Passion of Jesus Christ. Lent is all about ‘the cross and the resurrection,” Do we accept the cross in our lives when it comes to us? Let us carry our daily crosses and follow Jesus by accepting our sufferings and offering them for divided families.
As you open your Bible you will find in the gospel of Saint Matthew chapter 7, verse 7, some comforting words. ’Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you for everyone who asks, receive and the one who seeks, finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.’ Let us keep asking and seek Jesus’ advice.
You might come across the gospel of St. Luke and read in chapter one, how Joseph protected Mary and Jesus. Joseph’s feast day is on Monday, March 20th. Let us then ask him to show us how to live for others and to trust in God as he did. Let us also ask God for an increase of faith and the courage to accept the plan he has for our lives. Let us also focus on the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose feast day is on Saturday, March 25th. Notice in chapter one, see how she trusted God’s plan in her life. She was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. May we also let God control our lives and direct our future. May our ‘yes’ be sincere. Mary is for us a real example of holiness.
‘I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to Thy Word’. (Luke 1: 37-38).
Here is a good opening prayer before reading the Word of God.
O Lord Jesus Christ,
open the eyes of my heart
that I may hear your Word,
and understand and do your will, for I am a sojourner upon the earth.
Hide not your commandments from me,
but open my eyes,
that I may perceive the wonders of your law.
Speak unto me
the hidden and secret things of your wisdom.
On you, do I set my hope, O my God,
that you shall enlighten my mind and understanding
with the light of your knowledge,
not only to cherish those things which are written, but to do them.
For you are the enlightenment of those who lie in darkness,
and from you comes every good deed and every gift.
Amen. St. John Chrysostom