Here's a interesting thought: you probably knew that the disciplines of Lent are Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. But did you notice how they are directed? One (Prayer) is directed to God, one (Fasting) is directed inwards towards self and the third (Almsgiving) is directed outwards to others. This is how Lent calls us to a total conversion - a metanoia (Greek word meaning "change in one's way of life resulting from penitence or spiritual conversion") - in our relationships. This means all of our relationships: our relationship with God, our relationship with others and the relationship we have with ourselves. Examining all of these are necessary because any wounding or outright breaking of those relationships are the result of sin; if you think it impossible for one to be alienated from oneself in sin, just reflect on how some live a "double life" through a sinful situation.
As we continue our journey through Lent, it might be helpful to look more closely at how the disciplines can address the weaknesses in these relationships. Following is a video from Fr. Mike Schmitz that might give some insight (if the video below doesn't work for you try clicking on youtu.be/TUwBQEdmew4):
As we continue our journey through Lent, it might be helpful to look more closely at how the disciplines can address the weaknesses in these relationships. Following is a video from Fr. Mike Schmitz that might give some insight (if the video below doesn't work for you try clicking on youtu.be/TUwBQEdmew4):
Thus says the Lord: Yet even now return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Our FORMED Recommendation for the Week
Series (6 sessions) - Into the Desert: A Lenten Study on Prayer
https://formed.org/study/5c50726b03610f150025e5b2
Our Lord teaches that prayer is a relationship and a vital necessity. And yet, many of us have difficulty committing to daily prayer. Follow Jesus into the desert this Lent and discover intimacy with God in this 6-week video-based study with daily meditations in the participants guide. Dr. Tim Gray masterfully uses the discipline of Lectio Divina to show you how to make prayer an effective effort of love and intimacy. This series captures the secret to opening our hearts and minds to Scripture as the means to hear from God and then respond in conversation, basking in his presence and resolving to live in and through his love.
Series (6 sessions) - Into the Desert: A Lenten Study on Prayer
https://formed.org/study/5c50726b03610f150025e5b2
Our Lord teaches that prayer is a relationship and a vital necessity. And yet, many of us have difficulty committing to daily prayer. Follow Jesus into the desert this Lent and discover intimacy with God in this 6-week video-based study with daily meditations in the participants guide. Dr. Tim Gray masterfully uses the discipline of Lectio Divina to show you how to make prayer an effective effort of love and intimacy. This series captures the secret to opening our hearts and minds to Scripture as the means to hear from God and then respond in conversation, basking in his presence and resolving to live in and through his love.
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