As I move on into the second part of Lent, I pause to consider again the identity I have as a Catholic Christian. Who am I? Do I know?
How can I be sincere and open in my prayer if I do not really know who I am? How can I opt to work on my spiritual growth with God's grace, if I do not know what values move me or what personal weaknesses hinder that growth? How can I appreciate the offering of Christ for my sins, if I am not ready to admit that I am a sinner?
My favorite play / movie is Les Miserables. In a very powerful scene, Jean Valjean is faced with the decision to help another man who may be sent to prison in his place. He sings the beautiful song as he struggles with what he knows he must do.
As I listen to this song, midway through Lent, I ask myself more deeply about the things I need to talk to Christ about: movements in my soul that I must own, regrets that may linger after my wrong decisions.
May this Lent be filled with graces I embrace to truly know and own myself. I need not be fearful, for God knows all about me already and loves me for who I am.
How can I be sincere and open in my prayer if I do not really know who I am? How can I opt to work on my spiritual growth with God's grace, if I do not know what values move me or what personal weaknesses hinder that growth? How can I appreciate the offering of Christ for my sins, if I am not ready to admit that I am a sinner?
My favorite play / movie is Les Miserables. In a very powerful scene, Jean Valjean is faced with the decision to help another man who may be sent to prison in his place. He sings the beautiful song as he struggles with what he knows he must do.
As I listen to this song, midway through Lent, I ask myself more deeply about the things I need to talk to Christ about: movements in my soul that I must own, regrets that may linger after my wrong decisions.
May this Lent be filled with graces I embrace to truly know and own myself. I need not be fearful, for God knows all about me already and loves me for who I am.