Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday

March 2

“Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves . . . . What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit? Whatever it is, let us relentlessly tear it out, without a moment’s hesitation.” —Catherine Doherty

 

Reflection

I find it intriguing that the word “Lent” was, for a long time, a secular word with no particular religious associations. The Old English word lencten was related to “lengthen,” referring to the lengthening of days. But those of you who know music know that “lento” means slow; play this piece slowly, as does the word lentiment, in French. It’s a refreshing thought, isn’t it, to think of Lent as a season of moving slowly with God? The thing is, many of us do not live slow lives. Even so, Lent can be an opportunity to focus: our priorities, our loyalties, and our commitments, so that our intentions become reality and we are available to God all along the way, whether our lives are slow or fast, or something in between.

Prayer

Oh God, hear our desire to walk with You. Quicken in us the desire to move slowly now and then, so that we are truly open to Your bidding.

Amen