In our Lenten journey towards Easter, let us remember the One who “humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). During this season of conversion, let us renew our faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. At the Easter vigil, we will renew our baptismal promises and experience rebirth as new men and women by the working of the Holy Spirit. This Lenten journey, like the entire pilgrimage of the Christian life, is even now illumined by the light of the resurrection, which inspires the thoughts, attitudes and decisions of the followers of Christ.
Fasting, prayer and almsgiving, as preached by Jesus (cf. Mt 6:1-18), enable and express our conversion. The path of poverty and self-denial (fasting), concern and loving care for the poor (almsgiving), and childlike dialogue with the Father (prayer) make it possible for us to live lives of sincere faith, living hope and effective charity.
Lent is a time for believing, for welcoming God into our lives and allowing him to “make his dwelling” among us (cf. Jn 14:23). Fasting involves being freed from all that weighs us down – like consumerism or an excess of information, whether true or false – in order to open the doors of our hearts to the One who comes to us, poor in all things, yet “full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14): the Son of God our Saviour.
Extract from the Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2021
Fasting, prayer and almsgiving, as preached by Jesus (cf. Mt 6:1-18), enable and express our conversion. The path of poverty and self-denial (fasting), concern and loving care for the poor (almsgiving), and childlike dialogue with the Father (prayer) make it possible for us to live lives of sincere faith, living hope and effective charity.
Lent is a time for believing, for welcoming God into our lives and allowing him to “make his dwelling” among us (cf. Jn 14:23). Fasting involves being freed from all that weighs us down – like consumerism or an excess of information, whether true or false – in order to open the doors of our hearts to the One who comes to us, poor in all things, yet “full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14): the Son of God our Saviour.
Extract from the Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2021
A FEW WAYS TO KEEP LENT 2021
CAFOD Family Fast Day takes place on Friday 26th February. Envelopes will be available after Masses this week, or you can donate online at cafod.org.uk/give.
Walk for Water is a challenge for us all to walk 10,000 steps a day. For more information and to sign up for it, please visit the CAFOD website at https://walk.cafod.org.uk/
Online Stations of the Cross: We are invited by CAFOD to join in a virtual praying of the Stations of the Cross every Friday throughout Lent at 11.00am. If you like to join in, please follow the link to the website at https://www.bigmarker.com/series/lent/series_summit
A daily prayer for Lent: Almighty and Everlasting God, you have given the human race Jesus Christ our Saviour as a model of humility. He fulfilled Your Will by becoming Man and giving His life on the Cross. Help us to bear witness to You by following His example of suffering and make us worthy to share in His Resurrection. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen.
Walk for Water is a challenge for us all to walk 10,000 steps a day. For more information and to sign up for it, please visit the CAFOD website at https://walk.cafod.org.uk/
Online Stations of the Cross: We are invited by CAFOD to join in a virtual praying of the Stations of the Cross every Friday throughout Lent at 11.00am. If you like to join in, please follow the link to the website at https://www.bigmarker.com/series/lent/series_summit
A daily prayer for Lent: Almighty and Everlasting God, you have given the human race Jesus Christ our Saviour as a model of humility. He fulfilled Your Will by becoming Man and giving His life on the Cross. Help us to bear witness to You by following His example of suffering and make us worthy to share in His Resurrection. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen.
