R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
Psalm 51: 12-14
Lent can be properly understood as a journey, process, time, conversion, renewal, rebirth, and repentance. Lent can be perceived as an opportunity to do, be, or become all of the descriptors above. It is an opportunity to remind us that each of us can either accept or not accept the possibility of “doing Lent.” It`s an opportunity for us to do and become something more as Christian people.
In the love of Jesus,
Father Lenny Zamborsky
February 2, 1996
For Reflection:
I think there is a possibility for ALL of us to “do Lent.” How can you use this opportunity to understand Lent as a “journey, process, time, conversion, renewal, rebirth, and repentance” so that you can receive the joy of His salvation?
I'm drawn to especially "do Lent" as a journey because of the retreat on Pope Francis and Thomas Merton, in which some of us recently participated. I love this quote from the Pope:
ReplyDelete"Always remember this: life is a journey. It is a path, a journey to meet Jesus...He loves us so much, He loves us so much and He is always watching over us....Journeying is precisely the art of looking toward the horizon, thinking of where I want to go but also enduring the fatigue of the journey...There are dark days, even days when we fail, even days when we fall....it's bad walking alone; it's bad and boring. Walking in community, with friends, with those who love us, that helps us. It helps us to arrive at that goal, that 'there' where we are supposed to arrive."
I'm so grateful for the many years that Fr. Lenny walked with us on the journey, and peaceful in the belief that he has reached the goal. I'm also grateful that all of us can continue to walk together, especially during this special Lenten journey.
So beautifully said Sr. Marie- thank you! We shall continue to look toward the horizon...knowing that Jesus is always watching over us, in this journey called life.
DeleteIt was the retreat that drew me into Lent this year too. And I am also so very grateful to have had Fr. Lenny on the journey during some of the toughest parts. Some days I am not so peaceful in the belief that he has reach the goal. I continue to feel protective of him, and worry about him. But this all helps - more each day.
DeleteI had never read that quote, Sr. Marie. It's so true and so helpful.
ReplyDeleteI have never been very good at "doing Lent." I am so easily distracted, and stuck in my habits. And I end up discouraged with my perceived failures. So I think that maybe before I "do Lent" I might try to "be Lent" - BE the journey, BE the process, BE the renewal. Maybe if I can sit with that, and become familiar with what it means to become Lent - the doing part will follow naturally....?
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful the readings C of Lent came back around. And am so grateful for my spiritual friends along this journey. They help me keep my faith.
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