As we enter the season of Lent, there is a profound invitation from the Lord to let Him transform us—not through our own striving but through His gentle, lavish love. In this blog, we'll explore how we can open our hearts to receive His love and allow it to shape us, one step at a time.
The Struggle of Virtue
Striving for virtue can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, a sentiment our friend Jenna knows all too well. During a heartfelt confession, she received profound guidance from her chaplain, Father Michael. He insightfully pointed out that the true adversary seeks to turn Jenna against herself, weaponizing her strengths to foster self-contempt.
Father Michael expressed sympathy for those who think virtue comes easily to them, as it may lead to the belief that they don't require God's help in their spiritual journey. However, he emphasized the reality that we all rely on divine grace. He reassured Jenna by saying, "You are not flawed; you are reliant."
Letting God Love Us
During Lent, we are called to embrace God's love. It's time to cease striving and just accept His generous love. A friend recounted her struggles with prayer, feeling disconnected from God. However, she discovered that elaborate prayers aren't necessary; Jesus is already waiting in the Eucharist.
Her commitment this Lent is to simply be in the chapel, open to God's love. She's not aiming for grand gestures, but to rest in His presence. She's learned that being receptive is more important than attempting to shower him with love.
Seeing God's Winks of Grace
Our friend is finding solace in the love of God, feeling drawn to recognize the divine signs that grace her day—those subtle "winks of grace" or "signal graces" that manifest before her. Whether it's through the beauty of a sunset, a well-timed text message, or the innocent words of a child, she is training her heart to acknowledge the presence of God's love in the simple moments of life.
This change in outlook—from a constant state of doing and giving to one of receiving and observing—is life-changing. It relieves stress, allowing for a welcome acceptance of our reliance on God's strength rather than our own.
Simplicity and Presence
Reflecting on the notion that God's love is "hidden in plain sight," our friend is touched by the simple ways through which He seeks to engage with us. It is through mundane tasks, such as Mary diligently doing laundry or the Eucharist's wonder shrouded in bread and wine, that God beckons us to discover sanctity in the routine.
In this Lenten period, let us seize the opportunity to slow down, to notice, and to receive God's love. Rather than focusing on self-enhancement, we ought to allow His profound, abundant love to transform us bit by bit.
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