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February 2007 A letter for the ill, the aged, the shut-in, and the handicapable Published by the National Family Commission Secular
Franciscan Order USA Every
spring the church invites all of us on a Lenten journey. During this
time we reflect on Jesus' final journey from death to resurrection.
We too can journey with Jesus. This is a time to reflect on specific
areas of our own life that need transformation and resurrection. As
with any journey, I need to pack the essentials for the trip. First,
I need to find the time to spend with Jesus every day. We have been
called to "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalms 46:10). Commit
myself to a daily appointment. And I need a quiet, comfortable place
with my Bible, prayerbook, a journal and a spiritual book to read -
maybe one about St Francis and
his life. Preparation
for the journey. Have I gone to the Sacrament of Reconciliation recently?
Do I make an examination of conscience every evening before going to
sleep? Have I forgiven those who have hurt me? Let go of anger and perceived
hurts? Lent is a time to grow deeper in our Lord. A journey always has a destination in
mind. Lent is no different. I ask myself where do I want to be spiritually
in 40 days? The Rule of Saint Francis
states that we must fast during Lent. What do I need to give up in order
to create new life-giving spiritual growth? Maybe I've wanted to read
the scriptures on a more regular basis. Or get around to reading a spiritual
book that's gathered dust on my shelf. Choose something that will
bring me closer to the person God has created me to be. Our journey begins on Ash Wednesday with the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return". The ashes signify that Christ crucified has redeemed me. Christ died for me, how can I die to self and grow closer to Him? Along the way I ask myself what in my life needs to die, to be transformed, to rise in a new way. Maybe there are areas of my life that need letting go. A relationship, grief or even the hope that health and wellness will return. Prayer and contemplation will bring these things to light. Journaling the trip will chronicle the growth and insights gained during our Lenten path. Meditation upon a crucifix is also an amazing practice during Lent. Saint Francis' Prayer before the Crucifix Most High, glorious God, The
Franciscan friars have a prayer that says: "When the world was going
cold, You renewed the marks of Your passion in the flesh of our Father
Francis and so rekindled our love for You." St Francis' stigmata
came during a time of intense prayer during Lent. May we recognize God's
great love for us. And when Easter arrives, we can look back on our Lenten journey with gratitude and see all the things we have let go and left behind. And with joy, see the progress we have made. We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song! PRAYER OF LETTING GOLord, By: Anne Killian, SFO St. Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity |