Every Lent is a new beginning; sometimes beginnings are welcomed, other times it’s a case of half and half. We welcome Lent as a time to make our faith fresh, but we know from other Lents that it’s hard to keep going, and it lasts a long time! We might wonder about the true purpose of Lent. The focus of Lent is not on what we give up but on what we are given. We focus our minds on the self-giving love of Jesus which we will celebrate in Holy Week. We allow ourselves to believe in this love. Often it’s difficult to believe in the tender love of God, but it conquers all else in the world; it is given in the mercy and compassion of God. Lent pours the grace of forgiveness into our world, which we need individually and as a people. We need to know that God is bigger than any of our sins, wars, violence and hatred. Maybe we can ask what our Lent does for others, rather than just what we are doing for Lent. It is a time of renewal, which shows in love, forgiveness and care of others in our lives. “Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free; You are the saviour of the world.”

Prayer for Spiritual Communion

My Jesus I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I Love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my Soul.

Since I cannot, at this moment receive You sacramentally,

come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace You as if you were already there and unity myself wholly to You.

Never permit me to be separated from you.

Amen