Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2015

As we begin the journey of Lent, Sam & I have spent time in conversation about God’s abundant graces available to us.  In a reflection we read in Adoration this week, we both were challenged to look closely at these powerfully spoken words.  "When we come to the Lord with fasting, with generous almsgiving, and with prayer, God rewards us by changing us into His image one step at a time."

Lent is not only a time of renewal, it is a time for hope and joy as we look forward to what God is prepared to do in our hearts.  It is a time to be open to listening more closely to Our Loving Father in our prayer time.  It is a season for a greater focus on nurturing our relationship with God and each other.  Doing this, we will reap the tremendous gift of Jesus’ renewing graces and the selfless love that He wants to build up in us, as we reach out tenderly loving and caring for each other, for our family and those we encounter throughout the day. 

Making some changes and some specific commitments is the key for us to have a good start on our Lenten Journey.  We came up with lots of ways to fast, give alms and pray, to spend more quality time with God and each other.  Our list included ideas like: less internet or facebook, less TV, less busyness, less negativism or worrying.  It also included ways that we can grow in our prayer through our daily meditation of God’s word as well as stepping forward together affirming others of their goodness and talents with encouraging words.  We hope to replace our worries and concerns with newfound trust and confidence as we continue to build a deeper relationship in the Lord.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta asks us to remember five simple rules:  1. Free your heart from hatred.  2. Free your mind from worries.  3. Live simply.  4. Give more.  5. Expect less.  As we strive for holiness each day, our Lenten practices whatever chosen will help us on our journey to become more generous, compassionate and kind, making a difference in the world around us.   We are making our commitment to join Jesus in the desert by “proclaiming our fast,” to live more simply during these Forty Days of Lent.  We may struggle at times or even fall.  Yet, we pray that we will emerge with a heart more like His, loving more fully and dedicated to live a simple life inspired and empowered by God through the Holy Spirit.

Blessings to You on your journey of love through Lent. 

Peace, Liz and Sam