St Gabriel Windows

St Gabriel Windows
Photocopy c. 2013 Jamie Laubacher

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Ash Wednesday, Re-visited...

I have a confession to make (no pun intended!) as I re-visit the Ash Wednesday post I just blogged the other day. I say "re-visit", rather than "revise". You'll see why. While my sentiments and spiritual inclinations haven't changed in regard to "going further...." with Lent, and taking to heart the words of St. Augustine, this year my focus is directed differently by the inspiration of God -- yes...the confession: "Ash Wednesday" was a Lenten post from last year....I just couldn't think of a better way to say what I felt needed said, and didn't feel it was necessary to re-write it, so I simply pulled it back out for re-posting. The difference however, are those "few words" that help provide focus and encouragement that God seems to make apparent each year. Somehow, these words, also used quite frequently by St. Josemaria Escriva** (usually in Latin!), seem to be speaking out to me at the onset of this Lenten season:

"In silentio et in spe erit fortitudo vestra — in quietness and in trust shall be your strength"; or as Isaiah 30:15 states, "By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust your strength lies" .

I'm looking forward to contemplating often this scripture passage throughout Lent and perhaps asking St. Escriva through his intercession to help make it clearer to me; how it is God desires for this to be played out in my life, where and when I can apply it.

As we begin Lent, I hope and pray you will find just the right words, complimented and supported by the right pious actions and sacrifices to help direct you through a profitable Lent.

**The Forge, #799

Image: Madonna del Rosario, by Caravaggio 1571-1610

1 comment:

EC Gefroh said...

This is really good Denise!
God bless,