Today, we begin the season of Lent, it consists of 40 days. This period reminds us of Jesus’ time when he was in the desert to fast, to pray and to give. This liturgical time helps us to prepare for Easter, with numerous guideposts for reflection and calls to action. The prophet Joel calls us to action: “Even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart” (Joel 2:12) and Genesis (3;19) reminds us that :
“you are dust and to dust you will return.”
At this time, let us be mindful of the different ways in which we need to return to God.
All too often, we live only for the present moment, with little connection with each other or with our loving God. How often do we take time to let God into our everyday life and listen to God’s word in Scripture?
Lent is characterized by the three prongs of Prayer, Self-Denial and Almsgiving. PRAYER can mean, a renewal of habits such as saying the Rosary, making the Way of the Cross, or simply opening our hearts to God’s Word a few minutes each day. SELF-DENIAL, can mean giving less time to social media in our lives to cultivate personal connections with others. ALMSGIVING can mean, giving of our time and talents freely especially to those in need of more caring attention.
Psalm 51:10 expresses our desire for conversion:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Let us ask God to give us the graces of Prayer and Conversion. Graces are special strengths God gives to those that love him to achieve a full relationship with him. It is a good time to read the Word of God.
Lent is the time to hear the voice of God within us and to increase our spiritual life.
As we make this Lenten journey together, we will discover the strength and the joy of a deeper relationship with God and with each other too.
Happy discoveries during this Lenten journey!
