Start of the way: a new vision of Lent
With the arrival of the first Sunday of Lent, we embark on a unique spiritual journey, in the context of the Jubilee Year of Hope. This period is not only a time of reflection, but also an invitation to the interior transformation and the preparation for Easter.
A six -week pilgrimage
I invite you to participate in a spiritual pilgrimage that will extend for the next six weeks. Each week, we will focus on a specific topic that will allow us to deepen our faith, with readings of the Bible that will inspire us, specific actions that will help us to commit, and prayers that will guide us along the way.
1st week: conversion as a source of hope
The first week leads us to reflect on conversion as an act of hope. Reading LC 15,11-32, which tells the story of a merciful father, will remind us that there is always an opportunity to return.
Action and sentence
We propose an examination of consciousness and the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation, leaving behind everything that moves us away from God. The prayer that will accompany us will be: “Lord, open my heart to return to you.”
2nd Week: Hope in the Word
The second week focuses on the importance of the Word of God. Through MT 7,24-27, we learn that building on a solid base is essential for our spiritual life.
Action and sentence
Spend daily reading and meditation of a biblical fragment. Our sentence will be: “Sir, that your word is light for my steps.”
3rd Week: Mercy as Hope
In the third week, we reflect on Mercy through LC 10,25-37, which presents the good Samaritan as an example of compassion.
Action and sentence
We will make a gesture of mercy towards someone who needs it. The prayer that will guide us will be: “Lord, make me an instrument of your mercy.”
4th week: Charity as a manifestation of hope
The fourth week invites us to understand charity as a manifestation of hope, based on MT 25,31-46, which reminds us of the importance of our actions towards others.
Action and sentence
We will perform an act of solidarity with needy people. Our sentence will be: “Sir, to find you in each brother needed.”
5th week: Resurrection as a source of hope
In the fifth week, the reading of Jo 11.1-45 will remind us that Jesus is the resurrection and life, opening up to the hope of the resurrection.
Action and sentence
We will face a fear or difficulty with confidence in God. The sentence that will accompany us will be: “Lord, even in the midst of the tests, I trust you.”
6th week: The culmination of hope
Finally, Easter invites us to experience moments of deep spirituality: from the Eucharist of Holy Thursday to the contemplation of the Cross on Good Friday and the wait for the resurrection on Holy Saturday.
This Lenten trip will offer us the opportunity to renew our heart, filling it with hope and love, as we prepare for Easter celebration.
With gratitude, we set out to live this path, guided by the teachings of our archbishop Joan-Enric Vives.