Sunday, February 18
Scripture
Gn 9:8-15; Ps 25:4-9;
1Pt 3:18-22; Mk 1:12-15
Reflection
The Spirit sent Jesus out toward the desert. Mk 1:12
Today is the first Sunday of Lent. The Scriptures, in Mark’s minimalist way,
convey the essence the Lenten journey:
~The Spirit sent Jesus out toward the desert;
~Jesus stayed in the wasteland forty days;
~Jesus was put to the test;
~After, Jesus proclaims the reign of God is at hand!
So we begin, with eyes open and spirits ready, to enter our forty days. We are
invited to replace “Jesus” with our own name!
Yearly the liturgical cycle allows for the seasons of growth and struggle,
spring and winter to be part of our consciousness. This Lent, the Word and
life invite us to be shaped and formed by the Spirit.
How will the Spirit speak to me this Lent? To what desert/wasteland will I
be sent? What test will I know? And when all is done, will I be able to proclaim
that “The reign of God is at hand!”?
Prayer
Loving, ever-present, Companion God,
increase my consciousness of Your
walking with me in all of life. Help me
to become more aware of others and
my invitation to proclaim You alive among us!
Personal Challenge
Enter the journey.
Let Lent-consciousness transform me.
Christine Partisano, CSJ
Latham, NY
