A few years ago, I spent Lent (up to Easter) outside the Philippines; it was spring that time. I realized that just as Mother Nature renews herself in springtime, so are we also called as Catholic-Christians to start afresh, to call to mind the passion and death of Jesus, to renew our baptismal promises each year, and with God's grace do our best to live lives that are pleasing to Him. (I just learned that Lent is from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, which means "spring.") During Lent, we are called to die to ourselves, to "suffer with Jesus and be buried with Him that we too may be resurrected." We are called to spend the 40 days in prayer, penance and true conversion. Lent culminates in Holy Week, and then in the triumph of Jesus over death on Resurrection Sunday.
My journey from Lent to Easter this year has been full of surprises, blessings, and even struggles. But I am grateful for the Communion of Saints who have prayed for me, and have inspired me to persevere.
In France, Saint Bernadette's feast is celebrated on February 18, which incidentally was Ash Wednesday this year. Being a few days after the feast of our Lady of Lourdes, I spent that first day of Lent rereading about our Lady's apparitions at the cave-grotto at Massabielle. My visits in Lourdes, France had been special and Faith-enriching, and I reflected on that. I also watched again the movie Song of Bernadette, and for several days after, pondered on Mother Mary's words to the young saint from that quaint town that lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees: "I promise you happiness not in this world, but in the other."
After the apparitions in Lourdes, Saint Marie Bernarde joined the Sisters of Charity in Nevers where as a nun she did humble and menial tasks in the convent, and worked as an assistant in an infirmary. She contracted tuberculosis of the bone, a pain said to be most excruciating, but which she bore with humility and total surrender, and which she offered to God as penance for sinners. She has willingly offered herself as a victim soul. I have been so inspired by her forbearance of suffering, and humility to carry one's cross with love and faith.
Saint Paul tells the Romans, "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)
My journey from Lent to Easter this year has been full of surprises, blessings, and even struggles. But I am grateful for the Communion of Saints who have prayed for me, and have inspired me to persevere.
Saint Bernadette Soubirous on Patient Endurance of Sufferings
In France, Saint Bernadette's feast is celebrated on February 18, which incidentally was Ash Wednesday this year. Being a few days after the feast of our Lady of Lourdes, I spent that first day of Lent rereading about our Lady's apparitions at the cave-grotto at Massabielle. My visits in Lourdes, France had been special and Faith-enriching, and I reflected on that. I also watched again the movie Song of Bernadette, and for several days after, pondered on Mother Mary's words to the young saint from that quaint town that lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees: "I promise you happiness not in this world, but in the other."
Saint Paul tells the Romans, "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)
