With our fellow
Christians all over the world we embark on a Forty-Day Journey with Jesus into
the desert. During this time, we are invited to experience a deeper intimacy with God, to look into the
mirror of our souls, and to rediscover the boundless mercy and goodness of the
Lord. To guide us on this path, the Word
of God reminds us of the attitude that we should adopt : an interior conversion
that finds its expression in our outward actions.
“Return to Me with All Your Heart” (Joel 2:12)
When we take into
consideration the present situation of the world, we realize that Joel’s
prophetic call rings out with urgency and tenderness : “Return to Me with
all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” Notice that God does
not say, “Return to Me with part of your heart” or “Return to Me when it is
convenient.” Prophet Joel underlines this interior conversion when he says: “Tear
your hearts and not your garments”. No, the Lord calls us to an
all-encompassing return, body, mind, and soul. This echoes God’s commandment or
what is commonly called “The Profession of Faith of the Israelites” in
Deuteronomy 6:4-6.
Why?
Because God is not interested in half-measures. He desires a genuine
relationship with us that transforms our entire being. He does not simply want
a surface-level ritual; He wants our hearts. Our Lenten discipline must stem
from a profound interior conversion, not just from external obligations.
When we receive ashes on
our foreheads today, may it remind us of
our frailty, our human mortality: “Remember that you are dust and to dust you
shall return.” This sign of ashes is also a declaration of hope, a public
confession of our need for God’s mercy and our trust that He will fill us with
new life.
“Your Father Who Sees in Secret” (Matthew
6:1-18)
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches us that our acts of
piety, almsgiving, prayer, and fasting, are not meant to attract human
applause. Instead, they are ways to align ourselves more closely with God’s
will. During Lent, the Church encourages us to take up these three spiritual
exercises in a more intentional way:
Almsgiving: Jesus
cautions us not to perform charity for show. Rather, we give quietly, seeking
no praise or recognition other than the joy of serving Christ in our brothers
and sisters. During Lent, consider how you can share your time, talent, or
treasure with those who are less fortunate, remembering that our generosity
should be genuine and loving.
Prayer: We
deepen our relationship with God by entering our “inner room” and praying in
secret. It is in the quietness of our hearts that we encounter the Lord most
intimately. Whether it is participating in daily Mass when possible, meditating
on Sacred Scripture, or simply spending silent moments in adoration, let us
commit to a renewed rhythm of prayer this Lenten season.
Fasting: More
than just refraining from certain foods, fasting is a way to purify our desires
and sharpen our spiritual hunger. When we deny ourselves something we enjoy, we
train our hearts to crave what truly satisfies, God Himself. Fasting can also
be extended to moderating our use of social media, entertainment, or anything
that distracts us from God and from loving our neighbor.
The Deep Meaning of Lent
Lent is not merely a
season of “giving things up” out of duty. It is an invitation to conversion,
turning away from sin and turning toward the loving embrace of our Heavenly
Father. It is a forty-day pilgrimage that mirrors Jesus’ own forty days in the
desert, where He wrestled with temptation and emerged ready to fulfill His
mission. So too are we invited to confront our own weaknesses, trusting that
the same Spirit who sustained Jesus in the desert will sustain us in our
struggles.
Some Concrete Ways to
Live Out Lent Daily
Daily Examination of
Conscience: Before you end your day, spend a few minutes reflecting
on your thoughts, words, and actions. Have you loved God and neighbor
wholeheartedly? Are there moments you allowed anger, jealousy, or pride to
overshadow your love?
Scripture Reflection : Consider
setting aside a specific time to read and reflect on a short passage of
Scripture. Let the Word of God shape your heart and guide your decisions. The
Gospels or the daily readings of the Church can be a powerful way to stay
connected to God’s voice.
Small Acts of Charity : Engage
in at least one deliberate act of kindness each day, be it a phone call to a
lonely relative, donating food to a shelter, or offering a listening ear to a
co-worker in need. These small gestures have the power to radiate Christ’s love
far beyond what we can see.
Simplify and Share : If
possible, reduce unnecessary expenses and comforts. Simplify your meals, your
possessions, or your schedule, and use the extra resources (time or money) to
support charitable causes. This practice helps free our hearts from attachments
and blesses those in need.
Renewed Prayer Life: Start
Your Day with God: Even a brief morning offering can set the tone for the
day.
Attend Mass or a Prayer
Service: If you can, attend an extra Mass during the week or spend
time in Eucharistic Adoration.
Pray the Rosary or
Divine Mercy Chaplet: These devotions help us meditate on the mysteries of
Christ’s life and His mercy.
Practice Fasting in the
Full Sense Beyond food, consider “fasting” from harsh words,
complaining, gossip, or impatience. Give up any habit that prevents you from
living the Gospel values in daily life. Let your fasting create more space in
your soul for the Holy Spirit.
A Season of Heartfelt Renewal
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
let us embrace this Lenten season not as
a burdensome obligation but as a precious opportunity to rediscover the depths
of God’s love and mercy. When we hear the words, “Return to me with all your
heart,” let us offer God the most sincere gift we have, our repentant hearts.
As we pray, fast, and give alms in secret, let us remember that our Heavenly
Father sees all things and desires only our true good.
May this Lenten
pilgrimage lead you ever closer to the radiant light of Easter, where sin and
death have been conquered and where God’s endless mercy is revealed in the
Risen Christ.
Amen.
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