The Church invites us during the time of Lent to meditate on what gives us joy and hope in our lives. To meditate on our end goal for our lives. During Lent we are invited to strengthen our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ through the sacraments, almsgiving and prayer. Our hope is that at the end of this journey, we can see ourselves as a better people. We allow ourselves to be transformed into the heart of our Lord. My heart to be like his Sacred Heart.
During Lent we explore in our hearts where it is that brings us joy and fulfillment. As we explore and come to conclusions, we place them in front of our Lord and see if this is according to His will for our lives. Is my joy and hope in myself or things that are not in line with the Christian values? Or is my hope eternal? What do I have to change in my life to live those Christian values? Prayer, participation in the Sacraments are the moments during these forty days that should strengthen our resolve to be more like Christ.
Through small acts of charity, we can proclaim our hope and bring hope to those around us.
Almsgiving is the way we as Christians give witness to our transformation. Is not only in the giving of money to the poor, but also in the giving of our time and of ourselves to the stranger and the one in most need around us. Through small acts of charity, we can proclaim our hope and bring hope to those around us.
St. Augustine in his Tractate 10 says:
“We bless the Lord our God, who gathered us together to spiritual joy. Let us be ever in humility of heart, and let our joy be with Him. Let us not be elated with any prosperity of this world, but know that our happiness is not until these things shall have passed way. Now, my brethren, let our joy be in hope: let none rejoice as in a present thing.”
Week III of Lent “But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!.” Luke 13:1-9
“With justification, faith, hope, and charity are
poured into our hearts, and obedience to the
divine will is granted us..”
CCC 1991
What works of charity have you done this week?
¿With your face?
With your words?
With your actions?
With your prayer?
Meditate:
What did you learn about yourself this week?
Prayer
A Prayer for the Pilgrims of Hope
Grant me, Lord your Holy Spirit, so that I can, like Mary, who went to the service of her cousin, I too go to the service of my brothers and sisters in need. The strength of St. Jose Sanchez del Rio, not to deny my faith and to bear witness even if it is difficult. The joy of Blessed Chiara Badano, so that even when my life is not perfect, I can help others. The firmness of St. Gemma Galgani, so that I do not fall into temptation or let the enemy disturb my faith. And the conviction of faith of St. Carlo Acutis, may I always recognize you in my brothers. Give me the grace of this Jubilee year to convert my heart to yours this Lent. Amen.
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