The season of Lent is a period of 40 days of fasting, prayer and almsgiving to remind us of Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness and how he defeated temptation. A time to repent and grow in intimacy with God. Jesus’ death and resurrection brought us salvation and eternal life. This great love calls us to take up our crosses and drink from the cup of salvation. It is often easy to fast, pray and give alms without renewing our hearts and minds. Jesus is inviting us to see as he sees – our challenges, crises, addictions, sicknesses, relationships and sins. Do I have a heart of repentance for who I have become? What has drawn me away from God? Am I ready to forgive those who have hurt, rejected, ridiculed, used, abused, cheated and lied to me? Can I accept my life from the hands of the Lord knowing that he is my loving Father? Am I ready to suffer and sacrifice for God’s glory and the salvation of my family and everyone around me?

PRAYER: Abba Father, I return to you in repentance, grant me a willing spirit so that I may live a life of surrender. Amen.