Lent 2014: Ash Wednesday: March 5, 2014
Today we begin a traditional journey through
lent by a gentle reminder and ritual of imposition of ashes on our foreheads.
Ashes remind us that we are finite and limited. Do we realize our finiteness
and inadequacy? Beyond all the rituals this season is a time of inward journey,
to listen with an open heart to the Spirit within. It is a time of turn back to
God. Why do I repent or return back to God? Because, I humbly admit my own
insufficiency and that I am incomplete without God in my life. I want to live
the gospel way of life better, love the other better, serve others better, act
justly and kindly, reach out to the poor and the oppressed better. I deeply
desire for the “More” in my life. It is the realization that only God can save
me, liberate me from the grave, fill my life with fulfillment and joy. In the
words of Pope Emeritus Benedict, lent is a time of conversion which means a
“deep and lasting abandonment of our sinful ways in order to enter into a
living relationship with Christ”. So may this season find ourselves turning to
back to God many times a day to love God dearly, follow God closely and know
God intimately. With a prayer that I have taken from Ron Rolheiser, OMI, let
this holy season of grace begin.
Dear God, I know that every journey begins
with a first step. Be with me today as I take another step in my Lenten
journey. I begin this journey with the sign of ashes on my forehead, reminding
me that this is no ordinary walk. Today, I move one step nearer to the promises
of your light. Today, with your help, I will find new meaning in the Easter
that awaits us all. Thank you Lord. Amen
With special wishes to you for A Holy Lent from
God Bless you always!
Yours Sincerely,
Rev. Cyriac Chandy Mattathilanickal, MS, La Salette Retreat & Conference Center Director
Rev. Fr. Tom Puthusseril, M.S., Shrine Director
No comments:
Post a Comment
Dear Friends....
Please share with us your comments of our
Daily Reflections.
How has it touched you?
How has it helped you in your Lenten journey?
You may post your comment here
or confidently share with me
@
E-Mail it to us at
lasaletteshrinedirector@gmail.com