A Letter from John Cannon this Lent

Dear friends, 

During Ash Wednesday, the priest traces a cross on our foreheads and states "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." Another option less used in the liturgy is:

"Repent and believe in the Gospel."  

"Repent." That’s what Jesus said as he emerged from the desert. The original Greek term used in Scripture for "repent" is "metanoia", which means a radical transformation of mind and heart. And this is the objective of the season of Lent: metanoia -- to allow our minds to be transformed, to be freed from things that bind us so that we can be liberated for love.

The three pillars of Lent are fasting, prayer, and almsgiving as a means for better loving God and neighbor. For busy people, it can be especially difficult to think about taking on a new thing or giving something up. But trust me, there’s no better time. So....

Here are 3 easy steps to identify specific goals around these pillars for growth during Lent:

1. Begin with Prayer

Find a quiet place for prayer, commit to at least 20 minutes, and ask God to show you how He would like you to approach Lent this year.

2. Ponder These 3 Questions

Ask yourself and God the following questions: 

Fasting: What do I need to give up or cut back on that is a barrier to loving myself, others, and/or God?

Prayer: How can I dedicate more time and energy to a daily routine of prayer?

Almsgiving: What is one small way I can give of myself to others in my community or around me?

3. Write It Down

Identify 1-3 areas for growth based on the above and set some clear, measurable, and actionable goals over Lent, write down your specific goals and pray for the grace to fulfill these goals well with God's help. 

Remember…

Seek to live the goals during Lent. If you fall from them, don't be too hard on yourself. But also don't just give them up if you slip. Get back on the horse and keep at it! 

May this Lent help you become more fully liberated for Love.