As a child, I did not like when Valentine’s Day fell within the Lenten Season. It seemed like all the joy of chocolate and candy and hearts was lost. And today, I fear that celebration with a glass of “bubbly” could be forfeited as well. Obviously, I am invited to ponder more deeply the issue of “hearts”; maybe I hear the invitation to respond “with heart” in other ways. Perhaps I might consider the call to conversion as a concern that embraces not just myself and my wishes, but to a love that encompasses the world and all creation. Might I feel the call to stretch my heart and my desire into an acceptance of God’s dream for our world?
Pondering our traditional Lenten practices, I could seize the opportunity to consider where love is most needed. Can I seek out one lonely person for a friendly and consoling chat?
In the fasting to which the Church invites me today, can I stand in solidarity with the hungry in my city and in the world? Might I pray with the countless refugees and the abused in shelters and shattered relationships?
As I fast from food or media or chatter, may I ask for awareness to know how to respond with life-giving action for others. Recalling Jesus’ forty long days in the desert, I am reminded that these forty days are a call to share with others of my riches. As I wear my dirty forehead on Ash Wednesday, may I do so in solidarity with all in our world who seek for water to wash or drink? I pray that the “bubbly” forfeited above might in some way be transformed into bubbles of happiness or buckets of water for others. I pray to keep pondering the mystery and opportunities that these 40 days hold.
Helen Russell, CSJ
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