Lent

How is our Lenten Observance going? Have you given something up or taken something up?

When we were younger we may have given up chocolate (which is still not a bad idea), although these days it may be even harder to give up alcohol, tea or coffee. Or, we can take something up. Can we read the Bible daily, can we pray a bit longer and include prayers for those in most need in our world?  Can we pray the Rosary? Can we meditate? According to the Gospels, Jesus often got up early and went to a quiet place to pray. 

And what is the point of all of this? Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights and came out of that wilderness experience with new insights into who he was and the mission for his life. He was undoubtedly close to the Father through his prayer and fasting and the way he lived his life. We are called, as disciples, to follow Jesus down a path of obedience to God and love of God and love of Neighbor. Maybe giving something up or taking something up during Lent, as we prepare for the major feast of Easter, helps us to grow in our awareness and gratefulness for the supreme sacrifice that Jesus made by dying on the cross and rising from the dead to bring about our salvation. 

Prayer:

Lord, may we be witnesses to the life giving power of your death and resurrection at Easter, just as Mary Magdalene was at the first Easter Sunday.

Mary Magdalene

Pray for us

Amen