"Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father's house to a land that I will show you."
How would you feel if God spoke these words to you? Scared? Worried? With these words God sent Abraham on a journey. God said: Go! and Abraham went, not knowing where he was going or what would happen to him! I admire faith like that, a faith that's trusts and is willing to bet on God! Don't you?
Jesus, Himself left heaven and His Father to come to earth. In a manner of speaking, He too heard the Voice of the Father saying: Go! He did, when he entered our human condition in every way but sin. He shared in our life so we could share in the very life of the Blessed Trinity now on earth and later in heaven.
In this Sunday's Gospel at the Transfiguration Jesus' Divinity is revealed. As Peter, Jame and John gaze on Jesus, they "see" where He came from. Most of all, they heard the voice of the Father declare: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." They too had to go, leaving all and journey with Jesus. Isn't that what Lent is all about? Walking with Jesus? Letting Jesus walk with us?
Is this Lent different for you?
Other Lents felt heavy, weighted down by carrying the burdens of Lent: praying, fasting and alms-giving. This year Lent feels lighter!
Why? Lent is the highway to Easter! Lent is the journey we take to reach the Joy of Easter. If we want the Joy of Easter we need to walk out in faith, trusting God just as Abraham did. This focus on the Joy of Easter and the joy of heaven lightens the Lenten load. If we want to experience the joy of being loved and known by God, we journey with Jesus on the road of Lent.
Venerable Mother Clelia Merloni, foundress of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has this advice for us:
How would you feel if God spoke these words to you? Scared? Worried? With these words God sent Abraham on a journey. God said: Go! and Abraham went, not knowing where he was going or what would happen to him! I admire faith like that, a faith that's trusts and is willing to bet on God! Don't you?
Jesus, Himself left heaven and His Father to come to earth. In a manner of speaking, He too heard the Voice of the Father saying: Go! He did, when he entered our human condition in every way but sin. He shared in our life so we could share in the very life of the Blessed Trinity now on earth and later in heaven.
In this Sunday's Gospel at the Transfiguration Jesus' Divinity is revealed. As Peter, Jame and John gaze on Jesus, they "see" where He came from. Most of all, they heard the voice of the Father declare: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." They too had to go, leaving all and journey with Jesus. Isn't that what Lent is all about? Walking with Jesus? Letting Jesus walk with us?
Is this Lent different for you?
Other Lents felt heavy, weighted down by carrying the burdens of Lent: praying, fasting and alms-giving. This year Lent feels lighter!
Why? Lent is the highway to Easter! Lent is the journey we take to reach the Joy of Easter. If we want the Joy of Easter we need to walk out in faith, trusting God just as Abraham did. This focus on the Joy of Easter and the joy of heaven lightens the Lenten load. If we want to experience the joy of being loved and known by God, we journey with Jesus on the road of Lent.
Venerable Mother Clelia Merloni, foundress of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has this advice for us:
Venerable Mother Clelia heard the words of God to Abraham! She too left her father's home to journey where God was leading her. Often her way was twisted and unclear, but she trust just as Abraham did to walk with giant steps along the way of holiness. She advises us to be good and generous, in other words, Pray, Fast and give alms. If we do pray, fast and share what we have with those in need, we are being good and generous!
How about you? How are you coming along on your Lenten Journey? Have you made it at least once to the Stations of the Cross? Are you praying the Rosary? Have you made it to daily Mass once or twice last week? Can you plan to go once or twice this week?
I ask these questions to gently remind you and encourage you, because you have a good heart; you want to do good, but sometimes we forget! If you forgot, no problem! Begin today!
Are you making giant steps along the way of holiness?
Maybe it's feels more like teeny weeny steps, that's OK! Share what you are doing with family and friends.
Why? We need encouragement and support. Take courage and share what God is doing in your life. Start a conversation that focuses on God. Doing this IS to walk with faith and giant steps on the way to holiness. We need the Lord and we need each other to walk the way of holiness for which we've been called.
Friday, March 10, is the birthday of Venerable Mother Clelia.
Celebrate with the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus the life of this holy woman. To find out more about her life, click the button below. Pray with us that very soon she will be counted among the Saints of God.
You and your family are in my prayers as we walk with lighter steps through Lent!
God bless you!
Sr. Cora
Below an interesting video on fasting with Fr. Mike Schmitz.
When and Where are Stations of the Cross? See below!
