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by Sr Celeste Wobeter ND
Return to me with your whole heart! These are words from the book of Joel that we heard on Ash Wednesday.
In this Sunday's Gospel we hear an urgency of these words as we reflect on the parable of the fig tree. Repent or perish! Bear fruit or be cut down!
Are we a little like the fig tree in the Gospel in that we are alive and functioning but for three years have not born any fruit? Are we just going from day to day with no particular focus or goal? It is so easy to fall into a routine, a rut.
Lent is an invitation to get out of this rut! The challenge of Lent is to allow Jesus to cultivate our lives, fertilize us (a little manure helps!), and prune us of our sinful ways so that we can bear fruit.
What is the fruit God is inviting you to nurture in your life?
Is it sharing love with someone you find difficult to love?
Is it to let go of a grudge or hurt and to move on?
Is it to reach out to someone in need?
Is it embrace the suffering or loss that is part of your life at this time?
Is it to bring hope and peace to someone who is struggling?
What is it for you?
Return to God with your whole heart!
Reflection for the Second Sunday of Lent February 28, 2010
by Sr Marie Alice Ostry ND
Abram is called by God to leave his homeland---place where it is comfortable---trust
in God to lead him and his family to WHAT? Abram does not know yet that
he does have faith and trust to follow God. During this season of Lent
we as Christians are called to take a serious look at where God is calling
us---out of our "land of comfort". As Christians we are to be
counter cultural---that means not comfortable, not fitting in to the mainstream
of culture.
In the Gospel we are reminded that Christ, truly counter cultural, was
transformed. We are also called during Lent to live as Abram and Christ---listening
AND following the call of God. This will lead to our transformation and
the transformation of our "corner of the world".
What is God calling you to during this Lenten season? There is much for
me to "leave behind" as I am moving this weekend. Yet there is
the hope of transformation in what life will become or hold for the future.
What are you called to "leave behind" as you "travel" to
a new space in your life with Christian community? Be open to the journey---surprises
and bumps!
