Lent is a time to “slow down” and deepen our relationship with God. These forty days are an invitation to give yourself the gift of attention to what is happening in your heart and your being. Putting aside the distractions and the temptations is such a blessing, and doing so is such a gift to our busy selves and busy lives.
So often we are wrapped up in providing the necessities of life for our family members we forget to take care of ourselves. Lent is a time of self-care. Lent is about loving ourselves enough to make that inner journey from “keeping up with the expectations we have, and others have of us” and “living with purpose and experiencing the meaning of life.” I call it the movement from being a “human-doing” to become a “human-being.” Remember you can’t give what you don’t have. I have been thinking about Jesus’ visit to the home of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-32). Martha is an example of “busy love” she wants to make sure that everyone is fed a good meal and wants help with the preparation. Mary is an example of “listening love.” She takes the time to slow down and listen to the voice of the master. Both are important, but lent reminds us of the importance of “listening love.”
Where to begin? There are many opportunities to enhance your listening skills this Lenten Season. Just choose one. Our website https://sacredhearthopedale.org/ share the many ways that you can do so. Spend some time in adoration on Monday evening in the presence of the Eucharist. Take the time to visit the prayer station located on the windowsills of the church. Join us for virtual stations of the cross on Wednesday evenings. Come to a daily Mass Monday -Wednesday at 9:00 A.M. As a community we will be asked to support Partners in Charity contributing to the support of the ministries, education and charities of our Diocese.
“Listen to your heart!” Maybe you were baptized and never received your First Communion or Confirmation. Maybe you are in a civil marriage and want to receive the Sacrament of Marriage. Maybe you just need to finally go to confession after being away for so many years.
Lent is a time to “slow down” and deepen our relationship with God. Don’t let this opportunity slip by!