My Lenten reflection/journey | 2013

(warning: It's going to be long)

Just wish to document my 40days of lenten journey as wholly as possible, in case one day I suffer from dementia. lol

Ash Wednesday - readings of the day has become the motto of my Lenten journey. =D

Joel 2:12-13 

"...come back to me with all your heart, fasting, weeping, mourning. Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn, turn to the Lord your God again, for he is all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in graciousness and ready to relent."

Gospel Acclamation:

A pure heart create for me O God, and give me again the joy of your help.

1st Sun of Lent - Temptations of Jesus in desert

Temptations as part & parcel of Christian life, constant testing and trials -> Refiner's fire. For the 3 temptations Jesus experienced, I asked to practice the following:

- Practice Charity & kindness

- Practice temperance & modesty in our homes & workplaces

- Practice humility & patience to let the divine plan unfold in God's time

2nd Sun of Lent - The Transfiguration

Spiritual experiences (the coming down from the "mountain") sustains us in our discipleship. We need to go up to our "mountains"/seek our mountains (Sr Jess). And to also constantly remind ourselves of these mountaintop experiences - of God's loving presence in our lives (Br John). 

3rd Sun of Lent - The Fig Tree

God always gives a second chance. A second chance for us to bear fruit. We are called to examine our Christian lives, to contemplate our future with God & renew our commitment to reconcile our wounded relationship with God who loves us beyond measure. 

4th Sun of Lent - The Prodigal Son

Identifying myself with the 2 sons.

The prodigal :-

- God gave me His abundant blessings and graces but at times I "squandered" them away and taken them for granted. At times, thinking that I'm in control and can do without Him for a while, doing things my own way. Ended up wounded, despairing and spiritually dry (famine/hunger). But when I return to Him, he's all so loving and forgiving.

The elder son/bro:-

- Injustice and feeling sore while "slogging" to do His works and ploughing His fields while others just stand at the side to watch, comment or wait for harvest.

- Feeling unappreciated for the service/hardwork rendered to loved ones and friends. 

Yet, it is true that God was / is never unfair/stingy with His blessings and graces upon me. I'm just picking on the bones. 

5th Sun of Lent - The Adulterous Woman

All of us are struggling with sin. We are in a way all trapped (in our own "cages"). The Church is meant to enable us to choose the ultimate Good - which is God. "I'm an adult now, and I have the power to choose what is good for me, in thoughts, words and deeds" (Fr Richard Ambrose, penitential service). The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes. There is no true freedom except in the service of what is good and just. Amen.

Maundy Thursday

1st reading - The Passover

As I closed my eyes and listened to the words being proclaimed, I imagined myself being washed (splattered) in the Blood of the Lamb, all red. But I'm saved because of this great sacrifice, done out of love. As the responsorial psalm proclaims, "How can I repay the goodness of the Lord?"

The Institution of the Eucharist in John 13:1-15 - Body and Blood of Christ

As the priest shared, the meaning of the Eucharist is in the breaking and sharing. We, after receiving the body and blood of Christ, have become Christ (as He dwells in us) and are called to be broken and shared with others. To love another, to wash one another's feet. 

Good Friday

Watching the movie Passion of Christ for the second time gave me new insights/experiences. Nevertheless, big droplets of tears were shed during the various hallmark scenes. More interestingly, I was able to feel the pain of betrayal that Jesus felt (even though He knew/expected it) and also the shock experienced by Malchus when Jesus healed and restored his cut ears. It's beyond human imagination of the immensity of Christ's divine love for us, when we sinned against him, get hurt in the process, and yet he lovingly heals and restores. 

Easter Vigil/Easter Sunday

A different experience for me as this is the first time that I became a godparent of a 18-year old Indonesian boy. As last minute as it may be to be asked to be a godfather, I still managed to steal some time to try and get to know my godson better. So the first "test" for me was having to squeeze in a pew with 6 seated adults for 3-hours for the entire mass. This was because one of the godparents conveniently brought along her spouse to sit together. However uncomfortable and displeased I was, I choose to do the opposite and learn from Christ to give up of my pride and comfort. So I leaned forward for the entire mass so that the ones sitting beside me don't feel as squashed. But being human, I still can't help to want to make that "extra" person feel bad for landing me in that plight. More often than not, we said we want to rise to new life with Christ on this Easter. Yes, perhaps some parts of us, subconsciously or insignificantly. Coz we tend to look at our faults and failures more readily than our little triumphs. This time round, I felt that I'm still stuck at the "carrying cross and falling down" stage. The road to Calvary and the final crucifixion are still some distant away. The passion is still in the process. 

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from thee.
From the malignant enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me.
And bid me come unto Thee,
That with all Thy saints,
I may praise thee
Forever and ever.
Amen.

(Disclaimer: Some of the reflections are extracts from the Lent 2013 reflection booklet.)