As Lent begins, we hear the words for Ash Wednesday by the prophet Joel who calls
the whole community to renewal: "Rend your hearts, not
your garments." The time has now come in the Church year for the solemn observance of
the great central act of history, the redemption of the human race by our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ.
Lent is a time to make faith real in practices which are a source of
growth, life and even joy. Growth and new life are possible. It is possible to
live a spirituality which is in touch with the real world and its problems –
especially the poor.
It is possible to move from a superficial sort of prayer to something
that is genuine and life giving and transforming. Prayer can be connected to
life. Prayer can be rooted in an awareness of oneself and the world as it
is. Contact with those who are poor materially and spiritually can
nourish this prayer.
It is possible to move from fasting as a burden into a religious exercise that makes us aware and alive. Fasting can move us to solidarity with the poor and the hungry and can also put us in touch with our own self and our own desires.
It is possible to move from fasting as a burden into a religious exercise that makes us aware and alive. Fasting can move us to solidarity with the poor and the hungry and can also put us in touch with our own self and our own desires.
A fruitful and joyful Lenten observance to everyone!
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