A Call to Continual Conversion
Today we are marked with ashes, a sign that is rich for Third Order Regular Franciscans committed to continual conversion. How will we emerge from Lent after these forty days? What will blossom from within us for the Easter parade? Will this Lent be the same old routine, or can we think of some newness?
Some thoughts roaming around for me like Sr. Timothy Marie Flaherty would say, "Lent will come to you, perhaps in some new loss or a new health issue or a hurt. Just be ready to receive God's penance." I'm considering being a bit kinder rather than fasting from what goes into my mouth. Maybe I will pause and relish some beauty in my night prayer each day and abstain from obsessing too much on the ugliness in the news. I could downsize a bit and clear out areas of clutter giving my excess away? Whatever you discern, let us be intentional about this season for the world needs our penitential witness this year.