Religious Dimension

The Season of Lent.

 The forty-day Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Thursday evening with the Celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Lent recalls Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the wilderness as he prepared to proclaim the Good News.

 

 A more contemporary focus on Lent is it being a time of change and transformation. Here in the southern hemisphere Lent moves through autumn. This has a unique symbolism for us. At this time of year, in the southern hemisphere, the trees are relinquishing their foliage, thus enabling the light of the sun to shine through them more clearly. Similarly, we are encouraged to let go of our attachments – cleansing our lives by fasting, prayer and almsgiving as we prepare for the light of Christ at Easter.

 

During Lent it is important to allow time for daily prayer and perhaps an extended period of time at least once a week for quiet meditation. Our lives are very busy at this time of the year, yet we can always take a few moments for personal prayer. It may mean getting up a few minutes earlier each day. The most important attitude in prayer is having a mindfulness of God.

 

 During Lent, in particular, we tune our ears and hearts to the cries of the poor in our many ‘worlds’, and give alms. (money, food or other donations given to the poor). Here at St Joseph’s we will be supporting Project Compassion and students will be encouraged to consider having a change of heart by doing something extra rather than giving something up. Your generous support can help to change the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Join us this Lent to raise much-needed funds for people living in poverty. Together, we can make a difference now, and For All Future Generations.

 

A special prayer for the season of Lent.