Today is a
beginning. Today we begin a journey in faith…a journey we call Lent. And I
wonder what you think this journey looks like. What does Lent mean to you? For
some of us older folks, it is the age-old adventure of trying to give up
something we like. There is value in these attempts, but is that really the
journey Jesus calls us to…surely it is more.
For some, the
journey of Lent is deeper. It is a battle with nothing less than our
sinfulness. “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” We realize we are sinners. We
feel bad, we confess our sins and ask for God’s help. And that is a part of
this Lenten journey, too.
Turning away
from what is bad is not enough. We must learn what we are turning toward.
Jesus invites us
to journey with him. Anyone who intends
to come with Jesus has to let him lead. We’re not in the driver’s seat. Jesus
is. That is ultimately what this Lenten journey is about. Nothing more and
nothing less than starting from where we are right now in our life and letting
Jesus drive.
As we let Jesus drive, we are going to reflect on our lives.
As we let Jesus drive, we are going to reflect on our lives.
Let's make this Lenten
journey about discovering our true selves, along the way through reflection on
real issues in our lives.
And as we follow
Jesus we hopefully will learn how our church and SFC community can identify
some ways that we can give of ourselves to others this Lent—outreach to the
poor, getting involved in school and community projects, going on a retreat
like the Busy Persons’ Retreat here at SFC. Visit the
St. Clare Lounge and learn more about spirituality this Lent.
I hope we can
keep an eye out for fellow travelers on our journey. Take time to talk and
listen to a neighbor, give an elderly person a hand, send a text of
encouragement to a family member or friend, listen to someone who’s grieving. Be
there!
Consider using some
apps like Xt3LentenCalander, Lent2020withPopeFrancis, Formed, or BustedHalo.com
to help us focus on our Lenten journey. Have a blessed and life-giving Lent as
we follow Jesus.
Right now, right
here, is a great place to begin.
Deacon Ron Rizzuto, Pastoral Associate
Cathedral Basilica of St. James
Parent SFC ‘09
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