Yesterday , the Church embarked on a
forty plus day retreat to prepare for the celebration of Easter. We join with the
elect, those preparing to receive the three sacraments of initiation at Easter,
in slowing down and considering the places in our lives that need to be transformed.
Where has sin consumed your heart and distracted you from your relationship
with God? Sin sneaks in and often becomes habit. We are invited to examine each
area of our lives to uncover this darkness. We are asked to change our hearts
and turn back to God. The words of the prophet Joel still ring true today. We
need to repent and return to the Lord. Conversion isn’t easy and doesn’t happen
overnight. It requires discipline, perseverance, and practice. The three
disciplines of the Lenten season, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, help us open
ourselves to God’s goodness and can draw us closer to the heart of Christ. Over
these forty days, allow these disciplines to become habits that replace sin,
move you to reflect on your life in Christ, and immerse you in the Paschal
Mystery.
In the
Gospel, Jesus instructs us not to publicly flaunt how we pray, fast, or give
alms. As you meditate on the words of the psalm, think about what you might
give up (fast), how you will set aside time for prayer, and to what you might
give alms as a way of deeply entering the season of Lent and purifying your
heart.
Pray Fast Give
This is our call this Lent
Peace
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