+JMJ
Lent is Fast approaching. As a time of penance and mortification the focus seems to be of “giving up”… an unwanted obligation. I remember a time when I used to dread lent because I didn’t want to have to “give up” anything. Now, however, I have come to the realization that it is not a “giving up.” It is an offering. An offering of love to our Lord, who sacrificed His very life for us. It is actually a blessing that I have the opportunity to make an offering of love to Him. He showed me this while meditating on the beatitudes.
The Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the land.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, untruly, for my sake. Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you.
My Meditation
As I sit at the feet of the Lord He takes me to the foot of the cross and shows me the blessings that He showers from on high.
Blessed am I to be poor in spirit, for the Lord offers His kingdom to me.
Blessed am I to be meek, for the Lord will give me a home.
Blessed am I to mourn, for the Lord will comfort me.
Blessed am I to hunger and thirst for justice, for the Lord will satisfy me.
Blessed am I to forgive, for the Lord has shown me the greatest mercy.
Blessed am I to be clean of heart, for the Lord has let me behold Him.
Blessed am I to be a peacemaker, for the Lord calls me His child.
Blessed am I to suffer, for the Lord has suffered more greatly….
Blessed am I to suffer… This does not seem to sit well in this world we live in, which constantly tells us to do what makes us “happy.” The Lord shows me that I am blessed to be able to be all of these things. That it is a gift to be able to serve Him in these things. That His suffering allows mine to have merit for myself and others.
The Lord calls me to humble myself before Him and realize my sinfulness. He calls me to imitate His meekness and see my neediness of Him. He calls me to be sorrowful for my sins and see what He has sacrificed for me. He calls me to seek Him ardently and follow His Holy will. He calls me to forgive as He forgives and trust in His compassion. He calls me to purity to become the temple of the Holy Spirit. He calls me to peace in tribulation to carry my cross after Him. He calls me to renounce myself completely and love Him only.
This is what Lent is about. To make ourselves Holy as our Lord is Holy and offer to Him what He is due by penance and mortification. It is a loving offering to the Lord. So, let us rejoice in our suffering this lent in the hope for reward in heaven.
Thrive in Jesus, my friends!
What are you planning on offering to the Lord this Lenten season? Leave me a comment and let me know!
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