Lent is time to return to God, time to assess our humanity and recognize that we don’t always live a coherent Christian life: our relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters. It’s time to devote ourselves to prayer, fraternity and fasting. The Church at this time calls us to walk step by step toward the Easter of the Lord seeking to renew our baptismal commitment; new life in Christ, until his coming glory at the end of time.
Jesus our master guides us to live the three special practices of lent and how to do it:
1. Almsgiving – “When you give alms, do not let your left hand know
what your right hand is doing so that your Almsgiving stay hidden. And your father who sees what is hidden, will give you the reward “.
2. Prayer-“When you PRAY, go into your room, close the door and pray to your father who is hidden. And your father who sees what is hidden, will give you the reward “.
3. Fasting – “You, when YOU FAST, perfume your head and wash your face, so that men do not see that you are fasting, but only your father, who is hidden. And your father who sees what is hidden, will give you the reward. (Mt 6, 3.4.6.17.18)
As believers we are invited to approach the Holy ashes reminding us of the fragility of our humanity, and sign of penance, because God says: “Because you are dust and to dust you will return” (cf. Gen 3, 19b).
Let us open our hearts to the Lord, the source of life and fullness.
Our prayer to the Lord.
Almighty and Eternal God, you who moved with the humble and forgiving those who confess their faults, as father of mercies and God of all consolation, hear us! Lord Jesus, grant us your Holy Spirit, convert our hearts, give us the grace to change our life, and the joy of salvation.
Let us seek today the silence, friendship and companion of the Contemplatives of God!
Luzia Santiago