A WORD OR TWO FROM FATHER ALEX                                              February 19, 2012                                       
 

    Lent begins on Wednesday, with Ash Wednesday. Next Sunday is the First Sunday in Lent. As we begin the season of Lent, it is good to remember that, whether we try to push God away in anger, whether we run away in fear, or whether we are pulled away by the swift current of confusion and self-doubt, God is still here. God is faithful to the personal covenant of love that comes to each of us directly from God’s own heart.

     Lent is traditionally a time when we examine our lives for any self-destructive behavior—such as, perhaps, our inability to slow down our lives and live in what is called “the sacrament of the present moment.” One good way to save ourselves from drowning in the rushing floodwaters of everyday life is to spend some time in the desert.

     It is in the desert—away from all other distractions– that Jesus (to quote the Jesuit Fr. Ernest Ferlita of Loyola University, New Orleans) “becomes aware as never before of the Spirit within him, as the very source of his life, a life that must break open and bud forth for the life of the world.” The word “Lent” comes from an Old English word for springtime (the lengthening of days).

     We know how we feel when we see the first bud of spring on a tree. Just like the earth, after a time in the desert, we become more aware of ourselves and our potential for responding to this sign of God’s faithfulness. God is giving life, fulfilling the promise God made to us and the whole creation – and so we begin to feel ourselves ready to bud forth in response to God’s love — ready to give more of ourselves to the world, in turn.

     Maybe the desert this Lent will be a time of more frequent prayer-a “lifting up of our hearts and minds to God.” Maybe we will try to fast from things that are unnecessary and unhelpful for our lives – too much noise — too much TV, gossip, shopping, complaining – too much judgment against others…

     Or maybe we will try to become more awake and aware  - just as Jesus must have been hyper-aware and really listening in his desert, in order to hear the words of the Spirit in his heart. We must watch for beauty all around us, and listen for the soft and unexpected invitations God is issuing to us. It is after his desert days that Jesus is ready to proclaim God’s kingdom: “Reform your lives, and believe in the gospel.” That is the definition of our baptismal call. We are invited to go this Lent into the desert and wait to see how God is calling us to live out our baptism.

Peace to all.

• < Prev
• Next >