"The Season of Lent, our season of preparation for Easter glory, begins today on Ash Wednesday, March 9, 2011. On Ash Wednesday we receive again the blessed ashes on our foreheads in the form of a cross as a reminder of our mortality (“Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return”) and our sorrow for personal sinfulness (“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)”. On Ash Wednesday Jesus reminds us to give alms (help others in need), pray in secret, and fast (practice self sacrifice for others). These spiritual disciplines coming from loving, humble hearts help us to faithfully follow our Lord Jesus in the way of the Cross. “Whoever would be my disciple must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24).” So often we are not ready to receive the rich blessings God intends for us because we are clinging to sin and to material goods, we are selfish and judgmental toward others. Lent is our opportunity to deal with these temptations and failures and by the mercy and grace of God learn to live more faithfully. It is then that Easter joy will become our own."
I have participated in Lent for a few years now. No I am not Catholic but I do not feel that you have to be in order to participate in Lent. Lent is about sacrifice, letting go and getting closer to God. This year I am giving up Facebook. I know it may sound silly but I feel that there is so much of this world that takes our time and attention away from more important things and for me, Facebook is one of those. I found myself checking Facebook instead of spending quality time and really being present with my family. During Lent I am trying to focus on what really matters in my life and letting go of the things that don't.
No comments:
Post a Comment