Happy Ash Wednesday and a Happy lent. Although it seems odd to use the word happy and lent in the same sentence, it matters on how you look at the next forty days. I urge you to remember that you are asked to use this time as a way to deepen your relationship with God.
I came across this quote from Margaret Thatcher, it is her “‘T.I.N.A.’ effect: There Is No Alternative.” Lent is a time where There Is No Alternative! It is a time that the church calls us to comeback to God and to be prepared to change some of our ways of being. Lent is a time to stop and listen, to rest in the Lord and to follow His call. It is challenging to be a disciple of Jesus, the cost is great, but the rewards are even greater. The time is now! How will I spend this Lent?
I recently unearthed some words of Pope Francis about Lent regarding Fasting and Feasting. He spoke of ways to transform the Fast of Lent into Feasting during Lent. Let me share with you a few of His suggestions.
“Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling in them. Fast from words that pollute; feast on words that purify. Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism. Fast on the darkness around us; feast on the light of Christ. Fast from discouragement; feast on seeing good. Fast from idle gossip; feast on spreading good news.”
These are just a few and I am sure you can come up with more on your own. They all leave us with much to think about. Being a disciple is not for the faint of heart, we must realize “T.I.N.A.” we are being called to growth!
Sometimes we can get stuck in a rut and do the same things year after year. Why not stop, step out of the box, and look at things that will challenge you to be that worthy disciple, “T.I.N.A.” Put a positive spin on what you decide to do because Lent does not have to be a sad time of deprivation, it can be rich and fulfilling!
Wishing you a prayerful Lent and I hope you can come to know There Is No Alternative if you want to grow and become the person God created you to be. Happy Lent,
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
