“How often have I lived through these weeks without paying much attention to fasting and prayer? How often have I missed the spiritual fruits of the season without even being aware of it? But how can I ever really celebrate Easter without observing Lent? How can I rejoice fully in your Resurrection when I have avoided participating in your death?
Yes, Lord, I have to die—with you, through you, and in you—and thus become ready to recognize you when you appear to me in your Resurrection. There is so much in me that needs to die: false attachments, greed and anger, impatience and stinginess…. I see clearly now how little I have died with you, really gone your way and been faithful to it.
O Lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen.”
Nouwen, Henri (2002). A Cry for Mercy: Prayers from the Genesee. Image Books.
May God help us each to be aware of the way He wants us to enter into a fuller appreciation of the Cross and the repentance and confession it takes to approach it—during Lent and every day.
Gail Johnsen 