The Lenten journey began last week with 80 participants joining Father Joseph Donnelly in a day of reflection here at Mercy by the Sea. He invited them to “meet Jesus” through the encounters Jesus had with the Woman at the Well, the Man Born Blind, and Lazarus. The ritual that ended the day, the receiving of ashes, broadened the sense of who or what is to be noticed and encountered on the journey.
“We have forgotten that we ourselves are dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7) our bodies are made up of her elements, we breathe her air and we receive life and refreshment from her waters.” (Laudato Si’ Introduction) In being marked with the sign of the cross, we are reminded that we are one with all creation, with the entire universe.
As the Lenten weeks unfold and we follow the invitations to encounter Jesus - perhaps like the woman at the well, the man without sight, and Lazarus - our thirst, or the desire to see, or wish to be raised from our deadened places, might include a call to ponder how we encounter all of created life on our planet. Perhaps, even - broadening what it means to meet the Divine this Lent.
Hoping for a little inspiration, I recently drove to Hammonasset Beach to reflect on Lent and my plan for this holy season. Ash Wednesday was coming, the temperature was in the 60s, and a little quiet beach walk seemed just right for this consideration.
Lent is a time of entering into our inner desert, a time of stripping away distractions in order to deepen our relationship with God. It’s a time to pray, to reflect, to sacrifice small pleasures or take on spiritual practices with renewed fervor. Here are several resources that Mercy by the Sea staff have found to be valuable companions during this season. We hope they will inspire you too on your Lenten journey.
