Lent begins on February 14th! It is also Valentine’s Day! A perfect way for us to remember God’s wonderful love for us and our need to repent and return to Him with new energy and commitment.
“In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10
God loves each of us unconditionally. He yearns for us to come to Him — to give Him our heart. Take a look inside your own heart. Find out what you treasure in your heart, what you love. Then look to God’s word and Jesus’ life to find what Jesus loves and treasures. Make this Lent special, let it move you closer to Jesus’ heart and ways.
The cross on our forehead reminds us that we are entering a time of prayer and penance. We are broken and need repair. We need to turn from our self-centeredness and turn toward the God who loves us.
Whatever your usual prayer practices are, find ways to enhance those experiences. Perhaps you can go to daily Mass or at least read the Gospel of the day each morning. This can help keep you grounded in who Jesus is and what He does. You can sign up to have the daily gospel sent to your email or you can read it on-line at www.usccb.org. Be attentive to God’s Word. Listen to Him.
“For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.”
I pray that each of us will experience a blessed and fruitful Lenten Season.
Blessings,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
“The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ [Jesus] will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To him be dominion forever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:10-11