Lent … Spiritual Spring Training

The Lenten Season is just a few days away, and it will be a wonderful time to reflect on our virtues of Simplicity, Humility, Gentleness, Selflessness, and Zeal. We are called to be that bright light of Christ in the world, and to share the gift of the Society with others so they can live their faith in a Vincentian Way. During this sacred season, we are called to deepen our faith through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Lent provides an opportunity to “turn away from sin”. It is a long-standing practice for Catholics to undertake some penitential action throughout Lent that nurtures holiness inwardly and promotes charity and justice outwardly. Lent is like our time of spring training, to get ready to start again to help others.

The world however tells us to do whatever is necessary to get ahead and not to let anyone get in the way. For followers of Christ, the greatest people are those who put themselves at the service of others and not their own goals. We are invited to encounter the Lord in a new way. Prayer allows God to speak to us and to ask Him for help. When this encounter happens then we are renewed by him and we live out that renewed encounter through our works of charity, especially through the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

Out of our time in prayer our senses are enhanced to hear the voices of those in need. It’s like getting a special set of hearing aids.

Pope Francis tells us that today, the cry of so many of our oppressed brothers and sisters rises to heaven. Let us ask ourselves: Do we hear that cry? Does it trouble us? Does it move us? All too many things keep us apart from each other, denying the fraternity that, from the beginning, binds us to one another.

Let’s come out of spring training ready to meet the Risen Lord. Then we can help others encounter Him through us.

Deacon John Girolami
Spiritual Advisor
SSVP Ontario Regional Council