Reflection

Lent 2023

Life puts out for us many challenges. Yet, there is the Christian hope that sustains our lives. It is a reminder that God desires to offer us healing, mercy, nourishment. God continues to invite us to bring our whole hearts on this Lenten journey that begins on Ash Wednesday.

This year Ash Wednesday was 22 February. This day was marked at the College by a prayer service in Pastoral groups. During this service, ashes were placed on the foreheads of students and staff in the sign of the cross with these words: “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel”. Ashes symbolise both our own sinfulness, our mortality and the potential for new and exciting growth in each and every one of us, young and old. They are a sign that as we start this season of Lent, we identify ourselves as followers of Jesus and start a journey with him towards Easter.

Lent is 40 days of preparation for Easter. Christians are called to deepen their spiritual lives through prayer, fasting and almsgiving before the celebrations of Easter. It is a time to renew and restore relationships with God, ourselves and others. We can take more time to read the bible, pray, attend Mass and go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We can give up things so that we can be more mindful of how God is working in our lives.

This significant time in the Church year asks us to be mindful of the needs of others; locally, nationally and internationally. We are especially reminded of those who are struggling, such as the people of Syria and Turkey after the terrible earthquake. May we consider ways in which we can act to best serve them. As we prepare for this Easter season, we must stand in solidarity as a global family, challenging ourselves to reach out to others.

Holy Family of Nazareth – Be our inspiration and our guide.

Jesus of Nazareth – Help us to grow in faith, wisdom and knowledge.