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| Blog by Margaret Uche |
As Lent approaches I have been reflecting on what is God
inviting me to change that can help me into the season with a sense of purpose
and opportunity to grow in my relationship with God. I know Lent is a time of
prayer, penances, and sacrifices.
How do I open my mind and heart to carry my cross and follow
Jesus this Lent?
I was reminded of Pope John Paul 11 words in his book Agenda for the Third Millennium where he
said Christ suffering and cross is a message of salvation and light to all. I
learned that suffering is Good News because I can be transformed by it. It is
through Christ suffering that I can obtain hope and it gives meaning to all
human suffering because if I share in Christ suffering I can also look forward
to sharing in his resurrection. “If then, we have died with Christ, we believe
that we shall also live with him.” (Roman 6:8).
This semester at the Collaborative Dominican Novitiate, we
are discussing the book written by Fr. Paul Murray called The New Wine of Dominican Spirituality.
I learned that Father Dominic and his early Friars preached
the truth and preached it by Joy. His face was always radiant with Joy except
when he was moved by compassion for his neighbor in trouble. I learned that
their life was far from being easy or full of good times. They faced all kinds
of suffering in their work of preaching the Good News, sacrifices, and
following in Jesus footsteps. They believed and trusted in Divine Providence
and were able to persevere through these things and bore it with patience.
In the Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew (5:1-12), Jesus
reminds us of the blessings and reward for those who persevered through
difficult times. I am called to bear all suffering with Joy and rejoicing
because Jesus alone can deliver me from my difficulties and can give internal
life if I remain faithful and persevere to the end.
What is Jesus inviting you to change this Lent that will
help deepen your relationship with him? How might it shine the glory of God for
others?
Margaret , thank you for your thoughtful reflection! I am getting ready to begin another series of performances telling the story of Catherine of Siena and Sr Dorothy Stang. It is good to read your words and maybe borrow some! I travel to different cities, parishes and universities and need to keep the stories fresh with connections to liturgical seasons and events that keep them relevant. Joy and compassion are always recognized as genuine!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sr. Nancy. Your comment gives me the encouragement I need to continue doing this. I wish you well in your performances this Lent and always.
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