Lent

The Life - GSR's panelists reflect on this question: "How have your Lent practices changed since you were younger or in formation? Are there new traditions, surprises or creative ways you've observed Lent over the years?"

Theologians' Corner - The Gospel for the first Sunday of Lent shares the story of the temptation of Jesus in the desert. It raises important questions about how we are to think and go about our life and mission as Christians.

I have noticed that the readings we hear on Ash Wednesday send mixed messages about the observance of the holy season of Lent. This year, I invite you to join me in following both Joel's and Jesus' admonitions.

A good reflection for our Lenten journey would be to take a few critical social justice teachings from recent papal encyclicals and pause to see how they speak to us today in light of the political choices we must make.

This Lent, we can act with curiosity, rather than leading with assumptions. We might be surprised to find out what led a person to choose their Lenten practice. We can encourage them and perhaps seek encouragement.

"Ash Wednesday reminds us of our own fragility and our limitations," writes Sr. Ellen Dauwer. 

In my younger years I was never one to seek out crosses. But luckily, early in my religious life I learned a valuable lesson about crosses.

As I reflected on Easter, I realized that the death of Christ would be in vain if we did not practice what he taught us by his exemplary living. His actions during Holy Week demonstrate how we should live with each other.