As we are now in another season of Lent, it is another season of reflection for me. This then might lead you to ask, what is it exactly that I am reflecting on this Lenten season?

One of the things I have noticed about getting older is that not only are there more memories in our minds and hearts, but they also come back to us in a different way and for a different motive. When I was young, I don’t remember spending a lot of time dwelling on memories or thinking about the past. There was just too much living to do in the present, in the moment. Life seemed to be all about getting prepared for the future. The memories that did surface were either simply pleasant or just a bit aggravating. These kinds of memories came and went quickly and without drama.

A BENEDICTINE MONK ONCE TOLD ME, “SO LONG AS WE ARE IN THE DUST, DO WE NOT SEE THE FACE OF THE BELOVED? ARE WE TO UNDERSTAND THAT AS LONG AS WE ARE IN THE BODIES OF DUST, WE CANNOT SEE OUR BELOVED ONE? PERHAPS, BUT ANOTHER MEANING IS MORE RELATED TO A CHORE OF OUR DAILY LIVES, AND THAT IS OUR ETERNAL WAR ON DIRT AND DUST.

It was a lovely coincidence for us to celebrate Ash Wednesday on Valentine’s Day this year. Or was it truly a coincidence? I like to think it was not. This was a well-planned event that God gave us as a gift for His love to us. As Christians, we are aware of Jesus’ unconditional love for us, but sometimes we need a reminder, or we ask for “a sign” of His love. So, I think this was the purpose of this VaLENTine.

Deeply personal relationships with God seem to constantly evolve and expand. How do we know this? Ask, just ask people. It is a gift when others share their spiritual journeys. We talk about music, sports or current events. Why not spiritual journeys? During Advent, we were treated to reflections on personal relationships with Jesus. Reading these reflections, I learn once again, there’s a million ways to communicate with God. Some without words.

Years ago, I heard a presentation on the role of the prophet.  It described being prophetic as: Imaging the original intent of God; Mourning that this is not our present reality; Providing an alternative future. What impressed me most was the necessity of mourning.  Why was it so important?  What did it mean? 

In one of our Lenten masses, some time ago, our priest unleashed the word ‘compunction’- a catchy rhythm for our souls, making the sacred experience resonate with lasting echoes. COM· PUNC· TION, I thought, I took my phone out, wrote the word down and took a couple of quick notes of the sermon and quickly threw it back in my purse.

One of the best definitions of Conversion is “a change of heart.” For St. Francis and for Franciscans, Conversion is an important value. Like many people, I am a fan of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. Having read his message for Lent 2024, I would like to share some of the thoughts of Pope Francis and some of mine.

I am often amazed at how time flies so fast! My kids are growing, the snow has (hopefully) come and gone, the birds are starting to chirp, and those little pops of green are trying to say hello to me as I pay attention to these signs of spring! But it is also Lent.

Lent is a time of penance, to turn back to God. We are asked to rend our hearts and not our garments. Francis noted several forms that spiritual pride can take and noted that when turning to God for help with these ego-based short-comings or vices, they can be replaced by virtues.