Wednesday, February 22, 2023

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.

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