Yesterday Pope Benedict offered his penultimate Angelus message (video). The piazza was packed, spilling out into via conciliazione (consolation avenue). Though the crowds tried to erupt Pope Benedict wouldn't let us - he wants no false sentiment to stir in our hearts, he wants us to focus on God, not him despite what the news says.
This week the Pope and the curia go into retreat. Silence. Reflection. A time for repentance and renewal, deeper conversion.
Also, here is the Ash Wednesday homily given to NAC students and college students across Rome. Perhaps you will find it helpful too.
What If?
What am I going to do this Lent? Perhaps this is a question we all ponder today as we receive our ashes and set out for our 40 day journey in the desert. But perhaps that is the wrong question to ask. Perhaps the foundational question is, “What does God ask of me this Lent?”
I have been given 48 Lents on my journey. How many do I have left? Have I grown in my life and being as Jesus has desired?
What if:
This were the final Lent God were to give to me?
I focused on one root sin in my life that I know is displeasing to God and sought to root it out?
I brought to a priest or counselor my deepest darkest secret and began to seek the freedom God has for me?
I made a deep and sincere Confession?
I fasted in a way that was challenging and fruitful?
I read three spiritual books?
I read from the Bible every day?
I really tried to attend daily Mass?
I wrote one hand-written letter per day to encourage people I know?
I made a sacrificial gift to the poor?
I really looked at the role of Facebook, texting and social media in my life?
I looked at the music I listened to and the movies I watched to see if they are helping me?
I asked, “Is my deepest consolation friends, food, sleep, entertainment or the love of God?”
I got in the physical shape God wanted me in?
I told my parents how much I appreciated them.
I sought to heal one broken relationship in my life.
I spent time in silence every day listening to the will of God for my life?
I really laid God’s plan for me for next September at His feet?
I had a long conversation with the Blessed Mother?
The first line from our readings on Ash Wednesday tell us, “Even now says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart.”
What if this Lent I gave my whole heart to Jesus?
What if?
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