I often get easily distracted and consumed during Lent… with my perpetual list of to-dos.
If all of my attempts at fasting, small sacrifices, increased devotions, and generosity during Lent were not helping me to become more like Jesus then I’ve missed the point of Lent. Lent is simply a time to look more like our Saviour, whose very nature is love.
More of Him and less of my selfishness, my distracted mind and heart, my petty attachments, and my judgments towards others.
I am reminded of the verse from the song I wrote several years ago, “Without love, I am nothing, even if I have the greatest faith.”
I do desire to become a better husband, father, grandfather, and friend. I want to look more like love in the little everyday moments even when I’m washing the dishes, changing my grandson’s poopy diaper, or helping my wife with her even longer to-do list. I want to live an intentional, focused, and Christ-centered life. It’s extremely challenging, but it is possible.
I am reminded of the scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
As we enter into Holy Week and the Triduum, let us allow the Lord to illumine our minds and pierce our hearts with the transforming power of His passion.
Let us encounter Christ in the simple things this week, in the smile of a child, a gaze towards the sunset, and in the silence of God’s voice. Let us choose to stay close to Jesus and walk by His side as a friend, accompanying Him on the journey to His passion. We need to ask our Lord for the grace to see a little more with His eyes.
“Holy Week is a privileged time when we are called to draw near to Jesus: friendship with him is shown in times of difficulty.”
– Pope Francis
Here is a beautiful prayer that I have been praying daily during Lent:
“Oh Jesus, with a true and profound sorrowfulness, I embrace the Holy and Sacred Wounds of Your hands; May each movement of my hands today be a million acts of love for you.
Oh, Jesus, with a true and profound sorrowfulness, I embrace the Holy and Sacred Wounds of Your feet; May each of my footsteps today be a million acts of love for you.
Oh, Jesus, with a true and profound sorrowfulness, I embrace the Holy and Divine Wound of Your Sacred Heart; May each of my heartbeats today be a million acts of love for you. Amen” (prayer from Luisa Piccarreta)
Thought to ponder:
- What is one thing I can do to look more like love this Holy week?
- May this song Without Love, remind us that “With love, we gain everything, especially when we give it away”.
- Listen to Without Love on Apple Music.
- Listen to Without Love on YouTube
- Download lyrics Here
In Christ,
Gerald Montpetit
Cat.Chat Man
