Love In Lent

By Sr. Judy Donohue, SC Federation Temporary Professed

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Today, Ash Wednesday begins the wonderful though challenging season of Lent. Lent means spring, a time of new growth. It is exciting for me to focus on doing a positive action for Lent instead of giving up something. Maybe this Lent I will try to smile at 5 people a day, or create a gratitude list each night of 5 things. Whatever I can do to make my day more life-giving.

We are also celebrating one of my favorite Holiday’s, Valentine’s Day. When I think of Love, I see how important perseverance is to a maturing and developing love of others. Jesus’ 40 days in the desert was an act of perseverance to the call of God to stay the course. His examples inspires me when times get tough to keep plugging.

During Lent we persevere through the seven weeks of spiritual growth toward closer relationships with God and others. I have found it a great challenge and of significant value to persevere in my relationships at work, family and community life. Sometimes I want to give up when I have little hope, yet something happens, God gives strength and I learn to press on. Although it’s hard for me to change a behavior or to develop a new area of growth, it makes me become a better person.

One way to curb my strong penchant to judge is in giving others the benefit of the doubt, to believe the best in a person. I need relationships to help me grow in communication, love and humility. I’m learning one value of community is being there for each other. To stay committed through the good times and bad. To be vulnerable in sharing your weaknesses. Each day my awareness of building community is evolving. I pray to be open to all God sends me in loving others this Lent.

What is community for you? I see it’s different for different people.

This Valentine’s Day we remember those we love. May we also remember how much God loves us and that God’s love is a tender, kind and intimate love. This is very encouraging. May this Valentine’s Day strengthen our love and perseverance to love the creator of all LOVE.

Happy Lent and Happy Valentine’s Day!!