Lent

A TIME TO REMEMBER GOD’S LOVE FOR US

A TIME TO PRAY/FAST/GIVE

We are more than halfway through the Lenten season. Easter will soon be upon us and it is meant to be a joyful time when we celebrate God’s love for us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

In these troubling times it is sometimes difficult to remember how much God loves us. The Scriptures are there to remind us of this unfailing love and compassion. In the Gospel reading for this Sunday, Jesus – who was fully God and fully human – wept at news of the death of his friend Lazarus. Scriptures record only two instances where Jesus ‘wept’. The first time was when he entered the city of Jerusalem to be welcomed as a king (we remember this on Palm Sunday – next weekend). In both instances Jesus weeps for his people, who he wants to gather to himself and reassure of God’s unfailing love, compassion and mercy; of God’s promise of eternal life.

God wants to fill us with love and hope in the promise of new life. This is why Jesus came, lived, died and was resurrected. Do you believe? Do you have hope?

If Lent has slipped us by and we haven’t opened our hearts to God, it is not too late.

We can still PRAY, FAST and GIVE

PRAY - Your way through Your day… Say a little prayer whenever someone or something makes life difficult; when someone does you a favour; when you experience great service; or when something joyful happens—you will soon find yourself praying your way through the day. This habit will make you aware of God’s constant presence in your life and bring you peace.

We may not be able to physically attend Mass, but the Scriptures are a great way to pray and reflect on God’s loving presence in our lives. The following link will take you to Mass online as well as other online spiritual reflection tools:

https://padlet.com/lisa_mammoliti/CECG_RE_support_materials

GIVE - Who have you ‘served’ this week?

Have you taken time to listen to others? Have you reached out in kindness? Have you helped another? Let us take time out from busyness and over-indulgences to serve others compassionately as Jesus did… GIVE of Yourself… Give encouragement to the doubting, give praise to the insecure, show kindness to someone who could use a friend, and offer thanks to those whose service to others often goes unappreciated. Give the gift of your attention to someone who simply wants to be noticed. Don’t be stingy with your smiles—give them freely to everyone you meet. And most important, give your love to those close to you. Hug them, hold them, and tell them what they mean to you.

Weave moments of service into even the busiest moments of your daily life. In this way you open your heart to God.

FAST - Have you ‘fasted’ this Lent?

Fast every day from… self-doubt, intolerance, impatience, criticism, gossip, judging others, or passing on rumours?

No matter how busy you are in life, with some greater awareness and new perspectives you can consciously pray, fast, and give of yourself for the remainder of this Lent—and you will be ready to celebrate joyfully on Easter