Preparing for Lent - Ash Wednesday Reflection
Reflection
Yesterday on approaching the Most Blessed Sacrament, I felt myself burning and I had to withdraw. I am astounded that so many who receive Jesus are not reduced to ashes.
-- St. Gemma Galgani
When we find ourselves in front of Jesus, do we burn as St.Gemma did? We should. If we don't feel this passion, this fire in our hearts when we are present at Mass, then this is what we should spend our Lent praying for. As we prepare ourselves for the dying and the rising of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us enter this season with a desire to grow in our fear of the Lord. Not because we are afraid of God. Rather, fear in the sense that when we are in His presence we realize the greatness and power that is before us. We acknowledge that we are so little and He is so great. The Majesty surrounds us in all His glory and we are so in tune with the Spirit of the Lord that we fall down and bow.
Last night as I was in adoration, I felt very much like St. Gemma describes. I could feel God. It was the first time that my prayer was able to be quieted. I felt so much of God's power surrounding me that I was silent. My mind could not even come up with words because God flooded my thoughts and overwhelmed me. Never have I been able to "Be Still and Know" that He is God in such a way.
As we recieve our Ashes tomorrow, let us think of St.Gemma and her astounishment that we are not reduced to Ashes in the presence of our Lord. We pray that we would be reduced in this time of fasting and prayer and that the Lord would be magnified. That He would rise from the ashes of our sacrifice.
During Lent, I choose to put Christ first in my life through sacrificing things that I love (chocolate- maybe?), serving those who I love, and giving a generous tithe to the poor. This year I commit to not just doing these things because of a Church mandate or suggestion, but because I love Jesus so intensely. I want my heart to burn in the presense of Jesus. As I offer these things up, I will pray that the Lord's presence is more alive in my life. Think of the joy we will find in Jesus on Easter morning if we are willing to sacrifice and let this be our prayer for the next 40 days!
Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/inspiration.htm#9#ixzz1G2NN1upi
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