Papal Wisdom for Lent
Pope Francis spoke about a reflection on forgiveness during Lent 2014. His characterization of God’s forgiveness is powerful.
“God doesn’t forgive with a decree but with a caress”. He forgives by “caressing the wounds caused by our sins, because he is involved in forgiveness, is involved in our salvation”.
-Pope Francis
When we consider our need for forgiveness, let us also consider how God forgives - not with a decree but with a caress.
“Prayer is a matter of relationship…”
Yesterday, we prompted our 5 minute conversation by saying “you probably know what you’d like to talk with God about today.”
Today, let’s flip it.
Is there something God wants to talk to you about? Perhaps something you haven’t particularly wanted to discuss with him lately? (It’s okay if nothing comes to mind! In fact... that’s kind of the point…)
“Prayer is a matter of relationship… Engaging closely with God over time, we allow the Spirit to transform us into people who are more like the images of God we are created to be - that is, more like Jesus.”
–Fr. William Barry, S.J., A Friendship Like No Other
The University of Notre Dame has recently begun a series of short YouTube videos titled “Journey to Sainthood”, highlighting the life story of remarkable Catholics from the United States who are currently on their journey towards potential canonization in the Catholic Church. These stories are inspiring and motivating, serving as excellent reflection points for Notre Dame’s annual Walk the Walk Week.
A Mass Moment
Today at mass, in the first few minutes of the Introductory Rite, we say these words:
“I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.”
Sometimes I need to take the recited words from our Liturgy and simplify them.
“Pray for me.”
In a chorus of hundreds of voices at our local parishes, this may not seem so powerful.
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.”
Matthew 5: 43-44
The Third Station of the Cross
Jesus Falls for the First Time
Take a moment to sit with the image, from Audrey Frank Anastasi’s stunning Stations of the Cross.
"When we’re confronted with our own weakness during Lent, the temptation is to get angry and frustrated. “What a bad person I am!” But that’s the wrong lesson."
In fact, it’s the opposite:
"God is calling us to be patient and to see ourselves as he does, with unconditional love."
“I thought by now I’d have it figured out -
how not to make the easy things so hard to do…
I guess all I’m saying is,
forgive me if I don’t know what I’m doing.
I’m still learning to be human.”Cody Johnson
Aren’t we all?
During this Lent, maybe we can allow Jesus' humanity to show us how.
The Second Station of the Cross
Jesus carries His Cross
We often hear the phrase “carry the cross” or “it’s my cross to bear” - as “the cross” has become a symbol for some form of suffering or pain to be endured.
Some might argue that this analogy is only apt if there is some kind of reward at the end of the suffering. Some tangible benefit.
