Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross in Green Bay, WI
Reflection for March 1, 2020

Reflection for March 1, 2020

Sin and redemption

Sundays readings remind us of who formed us, who loves us and who makes us whole  

by Sister  Mary Kabat

Today the holy season of Lent begins! What are you thinking: Already! Don’t have time for this! I never like Lent! All we are going to hear about is “sin.”

Whether you dread Lent or appreciate this time of the Church year, I suggest that this Sunday we begin at the end. At the end of the Gospel in which Jesus is tempted by the devil he says:

“The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.”

There is our theme for Lent and our guide for inner reflection and our measure to hold up alongside our current living and the path for our whole life!

Yes, in the second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans you will hear the word “sin” or its variations over and over but listen also for the word “gift.” Sin brought the gift of Jesus overflowing to all; sin brought an abundance of grace; sin brought the offer to life. Who would know the opposites of dark and light, death and life, sin and redemption better than Saul, now St. Paul?

Since I started at the end, I would like to end at the beginning. In the first reading from Genesis we hear, “God blew into man’s nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being.” May these holy days bring you refreshing breath, abundance of grace and newness of life with eyes not just open to sin like Adam and Eve but open to our loving, abundant, inviting God like St. Paul and Jesus.

4 Comments

Sister Laura
02/28/2020 7:32 am

Very inspiring. Love the idea that during this Lenten Season God breathes life within us.

Irene Whatley
02/28/2020 9:13 am

I always enjoy these reflections and look forward to ideas to ponder. I will think about new life experiences at my advanced age.

Marie
02/28/2020 2:11 pm

I look forward to the Lenten season every year because I feel so much closer to Jesus. I think most often of all He endured & suffered for us - it is my time to give back to Jesus & to others as I await the Resurrection!

Ellen
02/28/2020 6:56 pm

Thank you, Mary, for your loving blessing.

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