From The Bishop

As someone who likes trains, I know the meaning of the phrase “Stop, look and listen.” This drill should be used at railway crossings, especially those without lights, bells and a crossing arm. It can also apply to life, especially if we want to do some spiritual “training.” The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday. It is a 40-day period that traditionally provides Christians with an opportunity to stop, look, and listen. We stop doing those things that easily distract us and prevent us from focusing on God and neighbour. We honestly look at our lives to see what is life-giving and what is not. And finally, we seek solitude so that we can listen to the voice of God who calls us into a deeper, more loving relationship. Jesus offers us an example of how this can be done. In the Gospel of St. Matthew we are told that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness where he fasted and prayed for 40 days and nights and was tempted by the devil. He took this time in order to prepare himself for his public ministry. In this solitary place Jesus used fasting and prayer as the primary means of helping him to focus on his mission. The devil tried to discourage him; however, Jesus did not give up. Lent offers us the opportunity to do the same. Since we are unable to physically enter the wilderness with Jesus, we do so spiritually through fasting, almsgiving and prayer. Traditionally these are known as the three pillars of Lent. Fasting is much more than just giving up food. From a spiritual perspective, it is about self-denial so that it becomes easier to say ‘no’ to self and ‘yes’ to God and others. Philosophically, it helps to feed our virtues and starve our appetites. The prophet Isaiah describes the fasting that is the most effective during Lent. “This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.” (Isaiah 58:6-7) Fasting should expand our hearts as we focus on others rather than ourselves. Almsgiving is about giving money or material assistance to those who are in need. It also involves the gift of our time as we assist others through various acts of charity. The word “alms” has its origin in the Greek word eleos, which means mercy. So when we give alms, we show our love for God and for the poor. During Lent, we take to heart the words of Pope Francis, who said, “Where heaven is concerned, what matters is not what we have, but what we give.” (Homily, Mass for World Day of the Poor, Nov. 19, 2017) We can all relate to the image of a ship on a stormy sea. It is being tossed about by the waves and the wind, while at the same time a submarine can be at the bottom of the ocean experiencing calm waters. It is the same with life. On the surface we can be tossed about with cares and concerns and a restless heart. We can feel overwhelmed to the point of sinking; however, if we go deep we will experience peace and calm because this is where God dwells. This is what prayer does for us. I invite all Christians to enter the wilderness with Jesus during Lent. Who knows what you will discover when you take the time to stop, look and listen.

Entering the wilderness with Jesus during Lent was first published on http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2018/02/15/faith-matters-entering-the-wilderness-with-jesus-during-lent