As I found myself coming into the Lenten season, I was filled with the hopefulness that my brothers and sisters in Christ would be more closely united as we fast, repent, and do acts of penitence. I am hopeful that the actions of Lent will draw the body of Christ on earth together.
I do fervently hope that we, as the body of Our Lord, will carry the love that has grown in our hearts beyond this season and even past Easter. That as we draw near through the works of Lent, as we cast off the chains of the flesh, that we continue this momentum until we join those who have faithfully finished the race.
The gospel reading from Ash Wednesday really struck a chord in me. I don’t want my reward now, and I don’t want the praise of men. I do however want someone to look at what I have done with the things God has entrusted to me and say, “That was definitely a Christian.”
I want all of mankind, not just my brothers and sisters in Christ, to know the love of God. To know the depth of His love, in the revelation of Christ. I think that if we do things not to seek attention or approval from men, but with a fervent love of God and a desire to give all of us to Him, that He will be with us and quite possibly do great things through us. Quite possibly how we treat our coworker might be the difference in whether or not they decide to open their bible, or return to church. It might even be the reason they come home to Christ’s church.
Anything done by God is good, but what a joy for us to be a part of it. I hope and pray that the charity of Christ will grow and make our hearts able to hold and partake more in the exchange of love of the Holy Trinity. Not just for Lent, but flowing through our lives like a tide that never recedes.
May God bless and keep you all.
Please show grace