Today on this Ash Wednesday I am pleased to share the below reflection from Sr. Norma Pimentel, M.J., the executive director for Catholic Charities of Brownsville, TX, along the U.S./Mexico Border. Also embedded below is a classic Peter Gabriel tune that always makes me think of God’s presence. May these Lenten days of reflection ahead bring us God’s continued grace, appreciation, and compassion.
Lent—when we recall the passion of Christ—is a time for atonement and introspection to examine ourselves and all that surrounds us. As we begin this holy season, it may be a time for our own hearts to stop for a moment to take notice of how we are living our faith, to notice the needs of the families and others in our communities—and particularly of our children.
Children are precious gifts. Let’s treat them as such. Remember, they are being formed by the examples we model for them. They are counting on us to care for them and to guide them. They need our attention…
Ask yourself—what can I do? How is my faith present to others? Do I make time for others? Does it help bring peace and love to my family and others in my community? Does my faith bring out patience, understanding, care, and compassion? Am I a loving example that others can follow?
If our communities are going to heal, it must start with each one of us modeling for our children—and each other—the virtues of our faith.
For Reflection:
- In the chaos of our world—particularly seen through the eyes of children and young people impacted by the world’s violence—where do you find God?
- How can you be more attentive to God’s presence in the chaos, to be present to and attend to the needs of those on the margins, and to the work of justice?
- In what ways, during this Lenten season, can you bring peace, love, patience, understanding, care, compassion, and justice to help heal the world around you?
Keeping the Faith 