share
By Sister Anna Regina Gakuhi
When you give alms…
When you pray…
When you fast…
This season of spiritual renewal invites me to examine my love for God, my neighbor and all of creation. The phrase ‘Even now’ reminds us that it is never too late to return to the Lord and that God’s love for us is constant and present in every moment. The first reading reminds us of God’s unwavering goodness. Despite our individual and collective sinfulness, we continue to experience God’s mercy, kindness and generosity.
Like the Psalmist, and in humility, each one of us is called to acknowledge ‘my offense’ and ask God, ‘be merciful to me, for I have sinned’. I know my growing edge. When was the last time I paused to recognize how God has been ‘gracious and merciful, slow to anger, rich in kindness and relenting in punishment’? Such reflection leads to repentance and conversion of heart.
God calls us to come as we are. St. Paul reminds us that we are ambassadors for Christ and that we must remain reconciled with God for the sake of others.
By placing the ashes on our forehead, we remember that life is very short and temporary. We therefore turn away from sin and toward God. ‘Repent and believe in the Gospel’ we focus on returning to the Lord with our whole hearts and follow the example of Jesus.
Our deeply rooted faith and relationship with God enable us to reach out in solidarity with others and to all of creation. We journey together. Attaching ourselves more closely to God and detaching ourselves from earthly possessions, allows us to cooperate more fully with God’s grace as we serve humanity and the whole of creation.
Questions for reflection
What in my life do I feel called to attend to this Lenten season?
Where am I in my prayer life?
Catherine served the people / the needs of her time. What needs in humanity and creation is God inviting me to respond to today?
What is my growing edge?
I pray that each one of us will continue to deepen and grow in our relationship with God, renew our commitment to serve the church, humanity, and all of creation. May we remain open to the graces God is offering us this Lenten season.