We are one month into the new year and for some people this means they have already given up on their New Years Resolutions. The beautiful part of being Catholic is there are many new years within each year; which means we have many chances to make change our lives. The Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time, Lent & Easter Seasons are a great time to reflect on your life and make changes to grow deeper in your faith. The Liturgical Season are just like the seasons within nature. Each season you can watch the trees change and learn from them. We are currently in the middle of winter which means the tree look bare yet on the inside they are slowly preparing for new growth. As we prepare for Lent, let us be like the trees and empty ourselves so that new growth can bloom. In order to make room for the new, one should begin with an examination of conscience. An Examination of Conscience is a “prayerful self-reflection on our words and deeds in the light of the Gospel to determine how we may have sinned against God” (— Glossary, The Catechism of the Catholic Church.) If you are looking for an Examination of Conscience to follow check out: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/penance/examinations-of-conscience.cfm Typically after one does an Examination of Conscience it is followed up by going to the Sacrament of Confession. It is through this Sacrament, that we are forgiven for our wrong doings and given the grace to change our ways. Once we have emptied ourselves, we can make room for growth. Lent is a great time to add some newness to your life. Throughout the season of Lent, we are invited to give something up. Most commonly people give up foods or drinks that are already meant to be had in moderation. Why not give up something or add something to your schedule that allows for you to deepen your relationship with God? Give up eating in between meals and any time you feel like a snack go pray for your family and friends who are going through a difficult time or read scripture instead of having that snack. Start a gratitude journal and daily write to God about what you are thankful for. Add Eucharistic Adoration to your Thursday Schedule and stop by St. Matthew's for a half hour of prayer in front of Jesus. Spiritual writer Henri J.m. Nouwen describe Lent as, "A time of returning to God....Lent is a time of refocusing, of re-entering the place of truth, of reclaiming our true identity." So this Lent make time for the Sacrament of Confession and time to deepen your relationship with God who loves you so much that He sent His only son to die so that you may have life and have it more abundantly (John 3:16 & John 10:10). If we are open to God and His will during the season of Lent, we will experience an Easter Season of new growth like never before. And just remember if you mess up on your Lenten Promise or New Years Resolution, every day is a great to start making changes to become the best version of yourself. If you need a refresher on how Lent works, check out the below chart from www.aleteia.org ~Kate Tyler - Pastoral Associate ~
0 Comments
|
Archives
November 2018
Categories
All
|