Seasonal Reflection: Lent, 2018
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No greater love
than this: to lay down one’s life for a friend John 15:13
Pope Francis, in his 2018 Lenten Message,
also makes the connection to love. His message is
built on another Gospel verse: “Because of the
increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow
cold” (Mt 24:12). These words of Jesus forewarn his
listeners of a time very much like our own when
trials and tribulations, false prophets, “snake
charmers,” and “charlatans” mislead people, and
hearts grow cold.
Lent, starting with Ash Wednesday, should
be a kind of Valentine. It is a time to give our
hearts to one another as Jesus gave His Heart to
us. Lent is a special opportunity to sacrifice so
that others may know their dignity as the children
of God. And how are we to do this? Again we can
turn to Pope Francis who answers in a way we are all
familiar: through prayer, almsgiving, and fasting.
Prayer warms our hearts and offers God’s
consolation. Almsgiving directs our hearts to
others, especially the poor, and unites us with them
and with God who is both the ultimate giver and
receiver. Fasting enables us to empathize with the
hungry and to experience our own hunger for God. Let’s make this Lent a Valentine not just for a day, but for a season. Let’s express our love as Jesus would have us do, not only with roses and chocolates for family and friends, but with humility and generosity to strangers and enemies, as well.
Prayer God, I find myself heartbroken by the hatred I see all around me. So I ask that I may never forget : That I never forget the truth of Your gospel, that storing up riches here, withholding from others out of some misguided sense of superiority or right to judge, that treating any one of Your children as unworthy to come to Your table is not the Christian love You came to teach us. That when I see actions or hear words that mean harm to the 'other', never to stand still or be quiet in the face of injustice, cruelty, racism, to call out behavior that seeks to harm my neighbor. Always to see in each face the potential of a child of God no matter how I might disagree with their manner or actions. To protect those who are being shunned, criticized, or even threatened because they are considered different. That I take every opportunity to let the wonders of Your creation heal and uplift me. Knowing that something as simple as sunshine on my face, sand and waves under my feet, regal treetop canopies, a bird in flight or the beauty of horses galloping across a field can be proof of Your love for Your world. That I always, always remember that color, creed, faith or none, accent, sex, age, language, dress, orientation, hairstyle, home, or financial status has not one thing to do with the worth of anyone to You, and to follow your example. That above all the chaos and upset in this world, You gave us the greatest Gift the world has ever known. You loved us then, and love us now, that much. May we all continue to grow and journey toward the greatest we can be for You, and because of You. That I always do my very best to be a light for Your world, to honor and respect each individual I meet, no matter our differences. That I grow into the person You wish me to be. Amen.
excerpted from May I remember... by Kimberly J.
Edwards
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