Endurance

A week ago we received ashes to signify our commitment to a transformative period of 40 days during which, through prayer, fasting and almsgiving we attempt to prepare our hearts for the renewal of our baptismal promises at a deeper level. Each Lent provides a challenge, which over the course of a lifetime, helps us to become the best version of who we are, more like Christ, holy. How has this first week gone? Too early to see? Too early to give up. Not too early to recommit, relax and be more supple in the hands of God. There are many goals we can set for ourselves, but we cannot alway foresee the interventions that arise each day. As with our prayer, we enter not to receive, but to give. We ask God to "give us this day our daily bread", but we also offer praise, forgiveness and the promise to enter the kingdom of God. The important thing to remember is that the daily contact, the daily effort the conversation with God, the knowledge and love of him are what are transforming. If this is our attitude, then Lent becomes a process, not an endurance contest.
Bro. Rene