Lent -Strengthen our relationship with Jesus

Dear Salesian Family,

Lent gives us a timely opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Jesus. He alone will help us change ways that hinder us from building healthy relationships with others.

During this time, we are invited to follow through with the three pillars of our faith: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. They will help us to walk this Lenten journey with Jesus.

Prayer - Prayer is a powerful experience. If we can take some quiet time to reflect on the day's Gospel, we will receive the strength we need to carry us through the day. As you reflect, ask yourself, How do I live out the message that Jesus is sharing with me? What simple change can I make in my daily life that will lead me closer to my faith and closer to becoming a better person for myself, my family, and others? A short five minutes can be the only time I can find, yet it can be life-changing if I am consistent. 

Fasting - Fasting from certain foods such as meat or sweets is a type of penance, but fasting from being judgmental, unkind, selfish, and using inappropriate words can bring me to a level of conversion that I so much need.

Almsgiving – During this holy season, I am invited to share God’s blessings with those who have less than me. It does not necessarily mean monetary donation but service, prayers, and acts of kindness.

This season of Lent helps us to accept suffering and that it is not something to be avoided. Often, we do all we can to try and prevent it. As time passes, we realize that suffering is a part of life. The more we try to run from it and protect our children from it, the more we do a disservice to them. They could learn so much from the experience. There are valuable lessons in suffering once we accept it. Our relationship with Jesus will be strengthened, and our lives will be filled with joy and a deeper faith.

God bless,

Sr. Carmen, FMA