Lenten Thoughts

Many years ago when I lived in Kansas City with another sister, we decided to start a prayer group in our home. We advertised it in the parish bulletin and the first night a middle-aged African American woman came and the first thing she asked us was, "Are you filled with the Holy Spirit?" The other sister and I looked at each other and mumbled, "We hope so." We had never thought about that question. But we later realized that she was really asking, "Are you authentic Christians who really are what you say you are?" That's what Lent calls us to be -- authentic, real. Some of us slip and slide in living out our beliefs. We want to be faithful, to turn away from sin, but the path is slippery and our human weakness gets in the way. During this time of silence and reflection we renew our commitment to prayer, fasting and almsgiving so that the Holy Spirit will live in us more fully. SisterVerna Holyhead reminds us that ashes are fertile and protective  "After a bushfire ravages the countryside, new life springs from cracked seeds and mulched branches." We yearn for this new life as the frozen earth yearns for spring growth.
Burning of palms for Ash Wednesday

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