As we enter the gathering place of our Chapel, a colorful rainbow is sighted with our Lenten theme scripted upon it: I have loved you with an everlasting love. Our God is faithful to us through all of life – the good times, as well as the stormy times. In the reading for the first Sunday of Lent, we hear in the book of Genesis that the rainbow is the sign given for all ages to come, of the covenant between God and all creation. The unfolding of that covenant will be heard and experienced during the readings of Lent, culminating in the great Easter Vigil.
As we have been loved with an everlasting love, may we respond in greater love to God, all God’s people, and all of creation through our Lenten practices of prayer, the many ways we can fast from food, hurtful words, and unkind deeds, reaching out to the less fortunate, and caring for our environment. I find this no easy task, but may God’s grace strengthen all of us in our Lenten resolves as we look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing (St. Benedict’s Rule ch. 49, “The Observance of Lent”).
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Sister Jeanne Ann WeberSister Jeanne Ann Weber is Director of Liturgy. She has experience as a teacher, advocate for women and children, giving retreats and spiritual direction. She is a member of the Shalom Spiritual Direction Training Program at the Monastery.See all of Sister Jeanne Ann’s posts. |