February 14, a day when hearts bloom faster than flowers. Forget the cold-hearted ruggedness of winter blues.
Resist the desire to over-indulge in chocolate hearts, champagne, teddy bears, fake diamonds and prickly roses.
Avoid those red-hot tempers that play hide and seek as Lent, a Holy Season emerges with fresh ashes and renewed hope.
Lent, a time when many of the faithful will give up something (alcohol, bread, candy, etc.,) or make a pledge to do something (serve, feed, follow, pray).
Lent, a time marked by anxiety and serenity as many wrestle with the desire and need to make spiritual changes in their lives.
“Cross my heart!” We declare the truth that puts flesh on bones.
“Cross my heart!” We make promises that are often too hard to keep for forty days.
“Cross my heart!” We accept ashes on the forehead or hands thus, acknowledging our mortality.
“Cross my heart!” We proclaim a commitment that shakes and awakens us.
“Cross my heart!” We acknowledge Jesus’ truth, promises, and love that never dies.
Let us Park and Pray
God of Love and Light, as we enter this first of forty days of Lent, hold and carry us, as our senses are shaken and awaken.
Reconciling God, settle our disputes. Revive and renew us.
Almighty God, you call us to remember the burning palm branches, the blessed ashes, smudged hands and foreheads, and to seek forgiveness for our sins.
Forgiving God, have mercy on us. Give us a clean heart and a renewed spirit. We need humility and strength to go without, do without and live without, all, which binds our heart, mind, and spirit.
Loving God, as we travel along life’s journey, help us to celebrate self-love, agape love, and Divine love. Help us remember God’s love for us, Jesus, the Christ, the Divine, the Lamb of God in whose name, we pray. Amen.
Amen!!!