Lent – An Invitation to live
with greater awareness and intention
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A reading from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians
We are ambassadors for Christ; it is as though God were appealing through us, and the appeal that we make in Christ’s name is: be reconciled to God. For our sake God made the sinless one into sin, so that in him we might become the goodness of God. As his co-workers, we beg you once again not to neglect the grace of God that you received. For he says: At the favourable time, I have listened to you; on the day of salvation I came to your help. Well, now is the favourable time; this is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 During this Lenten journey our task is to reflect upon our life as disciples of, and ambassadors for Christ. We are asked to ponder how we fail to love, to forgive, to speak out for the oppressed. We are invited to accompany Jesus in his final weeks as the religious and political leaders, fearful of Jesus’ increasing influence and following, begin to plot against him.
What action can I take to make me a more joy-filled disciple as Francis, Bishop of Rome, has encouraged us to be? Is there a phrase or a line in the song or the scripture that caught your attention? If so, sit with it and let it speak, let the Spirit speak through these words… Can I look differently at sin? As an invitation to grow into a more loving person? If I am holding something from the past that is diminishing a relationship can I release both myself and the other through letting go and some healing gesture? Do I judge people or situations hastily and refuse to consider that I might be wrong? Have I imbibed the culture of individualism so that I am unaware of the calls to engage within the community of family, work, local church, civic community? In what ways do I contribute to the life of others? Where is the invitation for me as we begin this Lenten journey? In John’s Gospel we read:
Go forth aware that you do not walk alone…
Thoughts and Suggestions:
The community can call us to a more conscious engagement in our faith journey during Lent. And some tangible ritual can focus us. I suggest a basket into which these Lenten decisions can be placed be left in a place in the staff room where they can be a constant reminder to staff. Half way through Lent you might invite people to open them and have a moment of quiet to ponder the journey to date. You will need to provide envelopes and a piece of paper for each person. |