A Lenten Reflection

The following is a short message given by Pope Benedict XVI in Germany, September 2011. I believe this is a message we can reflect on during these 40 days of Lent.

"Dear friends, Christ is not so much interested in how often in your lives you stumble and fall, as in how often you pick yourselves up again. He does not demand glittering achievements, but he wants his light to shine in you. He does not call you because you are good and perfect, but because he is good and wants to make you his friends. Yes, you are the light of the world because Jesus is your light. You are Christians – not because you do special and extraordinary things, but because Christ is your life. You are holy because his grace is at work in you…A candle can only give light if it lets itself be consumed by the flame. It would remain useless if its wax failed to nourish the fire. Allow Christ to burn in you, even at the cost of sacrifice and renunciation. Do not be afraid that you might lose something and, so to speak, emerge empty-handed at the end. Have the courage to apply your talents and gifts for God’s kingdom and to give yourselves – like candle wax – so that the Lord can light up the darkness through you. Dare to be glowing saints, in whose eyes and hearts the love of Christ beams and who thus bring light to the world."

During Lent, let us reflect on this thought from Pope Benedict’s message…"You are holy because his grace is at work in you." Then let us “dare to be glowing saints” so that the love of Christ will be made manifest to all with whom we come in contact. Have a blessed and spirit filled Lent.

Blessing and peace,
Judy