Got Ash?

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We have officially begun Lent 2013.  Have you been marked?  Marked with the sign of the cross?  Signed with Ashes?  Are there any remnants of the ashes a few days later?  Probably not - at least visibly.



Yet, we were signed not only physically, but our showing up says something beyond Ash Wednesday - the first day of Lent.  Spiritually we have signed on to take seriously a season of the church that is truly up lifting.



For me Lent is a time to seek, to trust, to believe in a renewed way God's grace is with me.  I approach this season as a time for growth - to stretch through Lent's call to fast, pray and give.  



One spiritual practice that I am doing during Lent is reading and praying with scripture using Lectio Divina with two books of the Bible:  The Book of Wisdom and the Gospel of John.  The first because I pray for wisdom each time someone comes for spiritual direction and the second for the opportunity to ponder with the writer of this Gospel - the Word made flesh and dwelling among us.



What will be your focus in these 40 days of spiritual opportunity?

Roberta A. Popara, O.P.
North Palm Beach   FL



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