Another "Acceptable Time"

"Again we keep this solemn fast."

The time for "sackcloth and ashes" has arrived.

Lent makes its annual visit.

The Church once more invites the People of God to prepare for Easter. It is such a familiar routine, but how can we make it more than routine? How can we go beyond the three pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving? How do we accompany our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on His way to Jerusalem this time? How can we deepen our relationship with God? How can we become holier? How can we use these next forty days for our spiritual benefit?

We are always called to die to self. The liturgical calendar grants us this time of grace and favor to bring this introspection of the soul to the forefront. It is this time of purple vestments, more somber liturgies, and greater opportunities for reflection where we can make a more focused effort to be perfected.

"Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2b)

We hear the call from Hosea.

We listen for the stirrings of the Holy Spirit.

We now continue to secure our salvation.

God's Valentine's Day Card

"For God so loVed the world,

         that He gAve

             His onLy 

             begottEn

                   SoN,

                       That whosoever

        believeth In Him

           should Not perish,

        but have Everlasting life."

                John 3:16

**********

Originally published 2/14/2006.

THE Greatest Love Affair

An acquaintance sent this to me a few years ago. It gets to the heart of St. Augustine's statement that our restlessness is quieted only in God. It is a reminder of Who our First Love is and should be. It is the cornerstone of seeking the Kingdom of God by seeking the King. Edited for form; the content is everlasting:

Everyone longs to give himself completely to someone, to have a deep soul relationship with another, to be loved thoroughly and exclusively. 

But God, to the Christian, says, "No, not until you are satisfied with living for Me and being loved by Me alone and having an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone. 

"I love you my child; and until you discover that only in Me is your satisfaction, you will not be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. 

"I want you to stop planning and stop wanting, and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan ever existing--one that you cannot even imagine. 

"I want you to have the best. Please allow Me to bring it to you--just keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things--keep experiencing that satisfaction in Me, knowing that I AM--keep learning and listening to the things that I tell you. 

"You must wait. Do not be anxious. Do not worry. Do not look around at the things others have gained for themselves or that I have given them. Do not look at the things you want. Just keep looking at Me or you will miss what I want to show you. 

"And then, when you are ready, I will surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any you would ever dream of. You see, until you are ready (and even at this minute I desire to have you both ready at the same time), until you are both satisfied with Me and the life that I have prepared for you, you will not be able to experience the love that exemplifies our relationship with Me--and this is perfect love. 

"And, dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love. I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with Me and to enjoy the everlasting union of beauty and love. 

"I AM GOD. Believe and be satisfied."

St. Anthony

Then, every day will be Valentine's Day.

**********

Originally posted 2/14/2007.

February 2023 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when prayer the Morning Offering:

For parishes. We pray that parishes, placing communion at the centre, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need.  

A reflection for this intention is found here.