Saint Paul Inspires Our Lenten Journey
In light of the celebration of the Jubilee Year of Saint Paul commemorating the two thousandth anniversary of the birth of the Apostle Paul—a year that began on June 28, 2008 and will conclude on June 29, 2009—we turn to his example and words as sources of inspiration for our Lenten journey this year. Within St. Paul’s epistles the five verses which follow can lead us to fruitful Lenten reflection.
“Do you not know that God’s kindness is an invitation for you to repent?” (Romans 2:4). Saul, a persecutor of Christians, encountered the Risen Lord on the road to Damascus. The Lord penetrated the inmost being of Saul, thereafter known as Paul, and shattered his resistance causing a radical transformation of his life, a complete change of mind and heart. The Lord in his kindness longs to do the same for each one of us. Lent is not a time when we, on our own, leave behind sinful patterns and destructive behaviors in order to become a “new person.” Lent is a sacred season that invites us to intensify our encounter with the Lord, who alone can change and transform us. Lent is a call to be more fervent in prayer, to meditate frequently on the Word of God, to celebrate His presence in the Sacrament of Penance and to be still before Him in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Lent is an invitation to repent, ever dependent on the amazing grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ to make all things new.
“Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16). Like Paul and the disciples, we are sent into our homes, schools, workplaces and communities and called to be witnesses of the Lord Jesus both in word and deed. We often encounter those who do not embrace the Truth of His Gospel, including the dignity of each and every person and reverence for all human life from the moment of conception to natural death. It is not always easy to live and to preach the Truth. Yet, it is possible and essential. Lent is an opportunity to examine the example we offer and to renew our commitment to be authentic witnesses. We must be witnesses who abandon all fear so that in and through us the Gospel is preached daily with conviction and compassion.
“May I never boast of anything but the cross of Christ” (Galatians 6:14). As an apostle of the Lord, Paul understood that following Christ might lead to persecution and to suffering. Yet, he never ran from the cross and neither must we! All of us, in one way or another, share in the sufferings of Christ both in body and spirit. During Lent we are reminded to unite all of our sufferings to Christ with renewed faith that Christ, who proved victorious over all suffering, allows us to share in His victory. No matter what your cross may be, do not give into despair. Be joyful in hope rooted in Christ Jesus, the One who destroyed the power of darkness, sin, suffering and even death itself.
“Out of love place yourselves at one another’s service. The whole law has found its fulfillment in one sentence, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:13 14). Paul constantly reminds us that we are one body, united in Christ Jesus. Lent is a special invitation to be reconciled with one another. Take the initiative to offer forgiveness to a family member or friend with whom you are at odds. Only then can you be at peace! Lent is also a special call to increase our efforts to assist and support the neediest in our midst. Participate in the countless charitable works within your parish and community. Your generosity, goodness and compassion are all means that help strengthen the Body of Christ. Love never fails!
“I can do all things in Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Paul was aware of his limitations and weaknesses. He humbly acknowledged them and, thus, became increasingly dependent on Christ. And so must we! Lent is a call to leave behind sin, to repent and to put on the new person. It is a time to embrace suffering in joyful hope, to preach the Gospel with renewed conviction, to offer forgiveness to those who have hurt us and to demonstrate a love that does not count the cost. We are blessed in knowing that our responses are not dependent upon our own frail nature. Lent is a time to intensify our encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ and to say with renewed faith and confidence, “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.”
It is my hope and prayer that this sacred Lenten season will be a time of abundant spiritual blessings for you and all those you love and serve.
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge