"We have to understand what makes the value of Lent! It is not so much about making many sacrifices or imposing a thousand renouncements on ourselves. No, this is not what Lent is. Rather, it is following the example of Jesus with humility and simplicity. It is a matter of doing everything according to our heart. Whatever the renouncements or penance I choose, the value of my offering resides in the love with which I offer it. Besides this, may no one know what I am offering anything up for Lent. The Gospa is also asking that, ‘In your homes, kneel down and pray the Sorrowful Mysteries for my intentions.’
Above all, it is important to free ourselves from everything that troubles our hearts. This is what pleases our Lord and the Gospa the most. Everything else, sacrifices and offerings, are for the purification of our souls.The Lord does not expect us to do many things, but He looks at our hearts and at the quality of the love we put in all things. He also expects our joy. Then He is happy, much happier than when He receives forced sacrifices. What is forced is not very valuable.
Another beautiful thing is to follow Jesus in His Passion and live with Him all the moments that He suffered for us, when He offered Himself for us. We should gradually get closer to Him in His suffering.During this Lent, we can ask the Lord to renew us and give us a new life, so that by the end of Lent we will be a new person. It would make no sense to remain the same at the end of Lent! I should ask for the grace to be better at the end of Lent than I am at the beginning. This is the most beautiful fruit of Lent.” - Vicka, March 14 © Children of Medjugorje 2006
I know this post is a little too late, since we're now at the end of Lent and beginning of Holy Week. But then, this may not be only for Lenten reads. Should we not do these every moment of our lives?
3 comments:
I've never really prayed the stations before this Lent. It' has really opened my eyes to the suffering of our Lord.
"Is my soul really worth all this suffering?"
The sacrifices we make are necessary external manifestations of our willingness to share in Christ's suffering and to resist tempatation. Sometimes, "following the example of Christ" can be ambiguous. But when expressed in particular acts of renounciation, they become internalized and thus, can form principles of action. Yes! They must not be confused with the end--Jesus Christ. But they train us so as to focus at the End in view--Jesus Christ.
Due to much school activities, I wasn't too faithful to my lenten observances. However, the little I battle with nourished me greatly.
God bless you as we begin Holy Week.
---Jude Chinwenwa.
Piscotikus,
I think it's okay for not praying the Stations during Lent, 'cos this prayer isn't just limited to Lent only, right? I'll be trying to pray whenever I feel like doing so, even though Lent is over.
Hey Chinwenwa!
Me too, I wasn't too faithful as well compared to the previous years. But I found that my struggles during this few weeks have brought me closer to Him.
God bless!
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