Not yet, but Lent is fast approaching. For many in this
country and elsewhere in the world this is a difficult time. Much hate filled language has filled the air
waves. This Sunday we are presented with a Gospel (Matthew
5:38-48) that addresses how we are to be with all peoples,
prepares us for Lent and possibly causes us to “squirm”.
Jesus directs us to
love everyone including those we might find most difficult and we are to hate
no one. There is no room for enemies. “I say to you, love your enemies and pray
for those who persecute you”. Prayer along with fasting and almsgiving are the
tenets of Lenten practice. Praying humbly reminds us, it is only through God’s
action within us that transformation can take place. Through fasting we fast
from engagement in gossip, accusations, hurtful and hateful speech, and
retaliation of any sort.
Again Jesus asserts; “When someone strikes you on your
right cheek, turn the other one as well. . . Should anyone press you into service
for one mile, go for two miles”. Through almsgiving we “Give to the one who
asks of you, and do not turn our back on the one who wants to borrow. . . If
someone wants to go to law over your tunic, hand over your cloak as well”.
Jesus speaking to us has great expectations of those who love him and want to
be a follower, a Christ-bearer.
Each
year in preparation for Lent do you find yourself asking the same questions?
What am I going to do this year? How much effort and commitment am I willing to
put forth? How much do I really desire to grow into the person God is calling
me to be? When the ashes are signed on our foreheads and the words spoken
“Repent, and believe in the Gospel” maybe this Gospel message that seems to ask
the impossible of us will come to mind. Sr. Aileen Bankemper, OSB
