[2014] Sesi 18 – Week of 7 Apr 2014
Lent Reflection
Reflection
People often don’t look forward to Lent. Childhood memories of giving up candy or sitting through weekly Stations of the Cross come immediately to mind. Words like “sacrifice,” “discipline,” and “self-denial” are often used in ways that suggest that Lent is something to be endured rather than a time of grace and spiritual growth.
Have you ever thought of Lent as a yearly second chance? Each year the Church gives us six weeks to take a long, loving look at our lives to see if our values and priorities are in line with God’s desires for us. Since most of us find that we’ve wandered from God’s path, Lent becomes that second chance, or do-over, to “return to God with our whole heart.”
Today we are going to look at several Lenten practices and stories of people who attempt to make the season of Lent a meaningful time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for themselves, their loved ones, and their communities.
We are invited to reflect on our own experiences during this year’s Lenten season and share with the group how this season of Lent has changed us to be better disciples of God.
As we journey through this annual second chance, remember that each step brings us closer to the welcoming arms of our loving God.
My Lenten jar
I always have nice things that I’d like to do, but never seem to make time to get to: write a letter to a friend, visit a lonely person, call a distant friend. At the beginning of Lent, I write down 40 plus tasks, one per little slip of paper, and toss them in a jar. Then, each morning of Lent, I pull one out and do the task written there. It teaches me that I like surprise and variety in my Lenten practices. For me, this is a simple way to concentrate on the disciplines of giving alms and doing good for others.
Mark G., KS
Dialing into God
Instead of listening to music or talk radio in my car, I decided to take that time for prayer and to listen to God. At first, it was a difficult transition; the silence was deafening. But soon, I began to enjoy the quiet time. I prayed for people who I knew needed my prayers. I prayed for my family and myself. I also thanked God for my many blessings. I found that I became much more calm and peaceful during this time. This reflective time grounded and centered me to do my best.
Donna, NC
A note a day
Each day of Lent, through prayer, a name surfaces of a person who has had an impact on my life in some way. I then take the time to write a handwritten note to that person. I have been amazed at the people that have surfaced: from my 3rd grade teacher; to a cousin; to a priest; to a high school student who had written me a note after a presentation I gave at her school. I send the notes without the expectation of a response. Yet, I have received several emails and notes stating how much it meant to the person. Life is too short —we see that with Jesus—but, we have the opportunity to share our thoughts with those who have made an impact (some don’t even know it, until they receive the note). This embodies the idea of Lent: prayer—praying for a specific person each day; fasting—fasting from negative thoughts; and almsgiving—sending a note with affirmations is a great gift to give.
Suzanne, NY
Coming home
I had been away from the Church for many years. I did not have an especially strong upbringing in the Church, so it was easy to fall away as a young adult. When my mother died when I was 31, I was very angry at God. After over a year of being angry at God, I felt a really strong need to go to Mass. I ignored that feeling for awhile but found myself in church one Ash Wednesday. There, in the quiet of the Church before the service started, I felt called home. All throughout that Lent, every homily felt like it was spoken directly to me. God let me know, in the death and resurrection of His son, that He was big enough to handle my anger; patient enough to wait for me to heal from it; and that He never stopped loving me. To this day, Lent reminds me of my homecoming!
Lori A., WA
A forgiving family
We had a family practice of weekly prayer during Lent that we called Friday Forgiveness. After the evening meal, my husband would read a story of forgiveness from the Bible. I would offer a brief reflection and then we would engage in Friday Forgiveness. Each person would ask every family member for their forgiveness, and the other person would respond by forgiving them. Each person forgave and asked for forgiveness. No particular faults were mentioned, only a general petition for forgiveness. The experience was never routine. It was a time to experience healing and peace returning to our home.
JAH, IA
Sharing questions
- How do you live out the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving this season?
- Can you recall one moment during this Lenten season where you can truly feel loved by God? What made it special?
- What have you learned about yourself, your faith, and God through your own Lenten practices?
- Share one good thing that you want to continue doing even after the Lenten season is over.
Closing Prayer
Lord, we long to be closer to You, but it is easy to get caught up in our busyness in life and forget that You too are there walking with us. Open our eyes and minds to see You and draw us closer to You. Grant us the joy and perseverance to strive for holiness in our everyday life. Let us be Your instruments of hope, comfort and joy to each other. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Reference
Link: http://www.loyolapress.com/reflecting-on-the-lent-season.htm