JL 2:12-18
PS 51:3-4, 5-6AB, 12-13, 14 AND 17
2 COR 5:20-6:2
MT 6:1-6, 16-18
Happy
Lent!
So
how often do you hear that phrase associated with Lent? Probably not very often. What does
the beginning of this period of grace, love and mercy mean for us in this
context? Psalm 51 refers to “the joy
of our salvation” and this joy begins today.
So Happy Lent!
Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon
word lencten, which means "spring." The forty days represents the
time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and
preparing to begin his ministry. Lent summons
us, and enables us, to come back to the Lord wholeheartedly and in every aspect
of our life.
As Paul tells us, we are
“ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us.” And as we “spring” forth into Lent, this
period of joy for our salvation impels us to prepare to accompany Christ on the
journey. To do this we must prepare
ourselves.
In today’s Gospel from Matthew,
Jesus calls us to a joyful preparation.
Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving we find our reward in Christ.
God will repay us for this preparation.
I’m joyfully preparing myself for
this period of time. Lent for me is a
time to reconcile; to reconcile myself to God, to others, and even to myself. Perhaps the best way we can all do this is to
reflect on some questions. I invite you
to reflect on these questions with me. I
invite you to prepare with an open heart, with joyfulness, and with love.
So what is our prayer life
like? Can we spend some more time in
prayer with Jesus during this period?
How do we imagine Jesus? Can we
have an intimate conversation with Jesus during this time (or several!) where
we talk together just as we see one of our best friends? Can we explore a new method of prayer? For example, I’m planning to spend more time
in prayer using the Pray As You Go App: https://www.pray-as-you-go.org/home/. Don’t be intimidated! Load it on your phone!
What are some new ways of fasting
for us? Can we fast from using unkind
words? Can we reflect with Jesus on some
attachments we have and try fasting from them?
What about our habits – are there any habits that we have that inhibit
our love for ourselves? For example, I’m
planning to reflect on how much time I spend worrying about things – and talk
to Jesus about those worries, trying to abstain from them.
What can we give? Can we reach out to someone we know who
doesn’t have many friends? Can we give
the gift of time? Can we intervene when
we hear someone making a slur or belittling words toward someone else while we
are walking down West Pine? Can we avoid
being an apathetic bystander when we hear words of hate? Can we get out of an “us vs. them”
mentality? Let Jesus help you to be
courageous in the “giving”. For example,
I’m planning to write a handwritten letter (yes – even mailed with a stamp!) to
someone who has been instrumental in my life.
I share these questions because I
really want you to reflect about this period of Lent as a joyful preparation –
and to act! Because our faith calls us
to this action. Our faith calls us to be
an ambassador for Christ in all aspects of our lives. Happy Lent!
Susanne Chawszczewski, Ph.D.
Director of Campus Ministry
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