Living in the spirit of Lent

Lent has begun. The priest's vestments have changed into purple. The church urges us to reflect on our lives, repent and prepare to celebrate the Lord's resurrection. Lent also reminds us of Jesus' forty days of fasting and prayer before he began his public ministry. Lent invites us to listen attentively to Jesus’ words.

So, how should we spend and put into practice what the Church requests us in this period? Here are my recommendations.

First, “The Cross”. It is true that the mystery of the cross is not just an event that happened two thousand years ago, but the cross calls us to repent and change our lives. Indeed, we are called to acknowledge that the Lord gave His life for us so that we may live as children of God.

Next is Prayer. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to us about prayer. When we are connected to God through prayer, our hearts are moved, awakened and we are shown what we need to change in our lives. Prayer also plays a role of educating our conscience. The Church encourages us to receive the sacrament of reconciliation during Lent so that our conscience can be purified to live the mystery of Christ's resurrection.

Finally, Lent is a time of “Almsgiving, Charity, and Fasting”. These 3 pillars of Lent season invite us to convert, overcome ourselves, refuse a comfortable life, listen to the voices of those who need help, reach out to those who are suffering, and to share life with them.

Am I an open person? Can I be with those who are saddened, speak to them, and cry with those who are crying? When we live these, we will be living with the crucified Lord. For I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was traveling and you sheltered me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you visited me.” (Mt 25: 35-36). Indeed, these people are wondering, “Lord, when did we do such things?

Certainly, what God wants to know is the heart that can see the people who are asking for help. That is love. Love is a connection of life, connection between God and people, and among people.

I hope that we will live each day of this Lent season with love, care, and prayer.                                       

 

Sister Hue