Lenten Joy?

Embodying the Love of Jesus

Who remembers watching Bishop Fulton Sheen on TV when you were growing up? Think about how ahead of his time he was by using the new media of television to get God’s Word out! I was always impressed during commercials that his “angel” would clean the blackboard (they did not have white boards back then). I recall being mesmerized by him and how familiar he was talking about and loving God. When I ran across this quote, I thought it was appropriate for Lent. To give so much of yourself helping others that your hands would have scars on them. Being of service so much that your feet would be wounded. Finally, having reached out so much and helped others causing your heart to open wider and deeper in divine love. What can I do to make these words come true? Will God ask me these questions when my life is over? How might I accomplish this during Lent and how joyous Easter will be if I make the effort? What Gospel verse and message can you emit to the world this week of Lent? How can we use our modern media to get God’s Word out?

The Call to Conversion

During Lent we hear what I consider to be the top three gospel stories that focus on conversion. The stories are the woman at the well, the curing of the blind man and the raising of Lazarus. All three speak of the power of Jesus to heal spirit and body. The questions that are asked and the responses Jesus gives cause us to pause and ponder. The woman says she is seeking water, and Jesus declares, “I am the living water.” The man desires to see, and Jesus gives sight as He declares, “I am the light of the world”. Martha complains that her brother has died, and Jesus says that he is only asleep and declares that He is the Life. Our Franciscan way is a way of continual conversion. These three stories help us to continually ask the questions:

• For what do I thirst? 
• What are my blind spots; what do I need to see? 
• What is dead in me that needs to awaken to the call of Christ? 

If you thirst, Jesus has living water to quench your thirst and set you free. If you are blind, Jesu has light so that you may see clearly. If your spirit is dead, Jesus is the resurrection and the life and thus the source of hope. These three questions can aid us as we prepare to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation this Lenten season. These three responses from Jesus are gifts beyond measure for a healthy, spiritual life. 

Drink of His living water and remember your own baptism. Open your eyes and rejoice in the light. Come out of the tomb, be untied from whatever binds you and live your life to the fullest. The Scriptures are rich in truth, in comfort and in challenge. Dwell with them as a way to live our Franciscan value of conversion and experience the peace that awaits you.