Lenten Prayer
What does it mean to be Christian?
There is a temptation to think of our Christian faith as a set of teachings. But Pope Benedict XVI reminded us that “Christianity is not an intellectual system, a collection of dogmas, or moralism. Christianity is instead an encounter, a love story; it is an event.”
In 19th Century France, an old peasant would enter the church and sit silently each morning before going to work, and return to do the same before going home. One day, Fr John Vianney, asked the man what he said to the Lord during his visits. “I say nothing,” replied the man, “I look at him and he looks at me.”
Prayer, the divine encounter, can be as simple as that. We don’t need to make it overly complicated.
A friend of mine always starts communal prayer by saying, “Let us be aware that we are in the most holy presence of God.” God is always beside us and simply being aware of that is prayer.
In our last reflection we noted that those moments when we are tempted to break our Lenten fast are opportunities for grace and for prayer.
So, this Lent, let us grasp those moments when we are tempted to falter, and be aware that the Almighty, the Eternal is closer to us than we are to ourselves.
If we give him that time, that space in our lives, there is no end to the blessings that He will bestow.
“If up till now you have kept him at a distance, step forward. He will receive you with open arms. If you have been indifferent, take a risk: you won’t be disappointed. If following him seems difficult, don’t be afraid, trust him, be confident that he is close to you, he is with you and he will give you the peace you are looking for and the strength to live as he would have you do.” (Pope Francis)
Comments
Post a Comment