Joyful Preparation

    

First Sunday of Lent

18 February 2024

 

First Reading: Gn 9:8-15

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: 1 Pt 3:18-22

Gospel: Mk 1:12-15

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

When Christmas is approaching, everyone gets excited counting down the days, playing Christmas songs, buying gifts, going to parties, preparing full blast for the occasion, exclaiming "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"

But it is the exact opposite for the Lenten season. People tend to be quiet and could not wait any longer for the Holy Week to start so it will soon end.

Attending a Lenten formation this afternoon, I became more convinced that the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ which we commemorate during Holy Week is the heart of our liturgical year, the summit of our Catholic faith, the most joyful season because God gifted us the most precious present, our salvation.

Being aware of this joyful celebration that will happen on Easter Vigil, Rev. Fr. Genaro Diwa invited today's Lenten formation attendees to empty a big portion in their lives, ready for the huge gift from God.

The call to have a happy disposition this Lent is actually supported  by the Gospel Reading on Ash Wednesday saying that the Lord requests us to not look gloomy even when fasting, to not neglect our appearance just like what the hypocrites do. The three pillars of Lent: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving should be complied with a cheerful disposition looking forward to God's promise of salvation.

This Lent, surely, we have already decided on the sacrifices we wish to offer as a penance. But more importantly, may we be guided of St. Benedict's quote "Let each one deny himself some food, drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting, and look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing." Let us savor the Lenten journey to Easter.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the season of Lent, please accompany me in my 40-day preparation so that I may celebrate joyfully the Easter and Your Resurrection. This we ask in Your Name, Amen.