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This Wednesday millions of
Christians throughout the world will receive ashes. What will those
ashes mean to you? Will they be the sign that you recognize your
sinfulness and seek forgiveness? Or will they be simply an
habitual religious observance?
If you are really going to repent and turn to the gospel this Lent, how
will you do it? The traditional Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting,
and almsgiving have proven to be powerful tools over the years.
Prayer connects us with the One-who-loves us. There is no better way to
tune in to God than through prayer. It is free and easy. God is never
too busy! Perhaps you could use a little support in your prayer. Try
going to Mass on a weekday during Lent. How about attending Stations of
the Cross at 1 pm (starting on March 2nd) and 7:30 pm all the Fridays of
Lent.
Don't forget the sacrament of Reconciliation, good old-fashioned
confession. Extra times are scheduled during this season before the
Stations. "Why do I have to go to confession, I haven't killed anybody?"
How often do you cut your hair, trim your nails? If you are concerned
about your physical health and appearance, shouldn’t you practice
spiritual hygiene as well? Are you living in God's will or your own? The
sacrament of Reconciliation, the season of Lent, in fact prayer in
general, remind us of how far we have to go before the Father's will
becomes most important in our lives.
Fasting helps us gain control over our appetites, all those good things
that can become the center of our lives. You don't have to fast from
food. Try fasting from television, from cursing, from insulting people
you find offensive. Fasting is all about prioritizing, placing God back
at the top of the list in our lives.
Almsgiving is an old fashioned word for taking care of the poor. Have
you ever examined your checkbook with an eye toward the Gospel? "What so
ever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me." What have you
done for Him lately? Have you given anything to someone who could not
repay you? So what if you have no money, make alms out of your time.
Donate some time to a shelter, hospital, nursing home, soup kitchen. God
is everywhere!
Lent is also a great time to act as an ambassador of God's forgiveness
in Christ. Have you thought about inviting someone back to church? Maybe
someone you could offer to meet them at Mass and then go out for
breakfast. Or you might invite them to our Simple Supper followed by
Stations.
Again this year, we will
distribute booklets with scriptural thoughts and reflections for our
Lenten journey with the Lord. Please be sure to take one of these
booklets for anyone who could benefit from it. Our small faith groups
will be meeting again during Lent. Be sure to attend your group or call
Doris at the rectory to join a group during this season. |
