by Leela Ramdeen, Chair of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice
Have you read the Holy Father’s 2011 Lenten Message? The title of his message is taken from St Paul’s Letter to the Colossians: “You were buried with Him in Baptism, in which you were also raised with Him”. (Col 2:12)
CCSJ’s Lenten Newsletter will be distributed shortly and can be accessed on our website. The following is my introduction to the Newsletter: “As Zenit reports: ‘Pope Benedict XVI is proposing a journey with the Word of God this Lent and a deepening in the mystery of baptism. The Holy Father noted a ‘particular connection’ between baptism and Lent, ‘as the favourable time to experience this saving grace.’
“He gives us a useful reflection for each of the Sunday Gospel readings of the liturgical season: First Sunday of Lent: Jesus’ temptations in the desert; Second Sunday of Lent: The transfiguration of Our Lord; Third Sunday of Lent: The Samaritan woman at the well; Fourth Sunday of Lent: The story of the man born blind; Fifth Sunday of Lent: The resurrection of Lazarus. He then discusses prayer, fasting and almsgiving. He says: ‘…through the personal encounter with our Redeemer and through fasting, almsgiving and prayer, the journey of conversion towards Easter leads us to rediscover our baptism.’
“As we reflect on his message, let us take up his challenge this Lent to ‘renew our acceptance of the grace that God bestowed upon us at that moment (baptism), so that it may illuminate and guide all of our actions. What the sacrament signifies and realises, we are called to experience every day by following Christ in an ever more generous and authentic manner.’ A ‘sincere inventory of our lives’ will assist us as we seek to be Doers of the Word and not Hearers only.
“In Lent Christians are called to metanoia — a change of mind and heart. This involves reflecting on where we are and determining where we ought to be. Lent is about conversion. It is a season for reflection, soul-searching and repentance. It is a time for new beginnings; about moving closer to Christ and turning our lives more completely over to His way of life.
“Let us reflect at this time on all the things that keep us from living out our baptismal promises fully. Being a Christian involves more than prayer. We are called to walk with the ‘two feet of justice.’ Works of mercy/charity and works of social action (the promotion of justice) are integral elements of the Christian way of life. May our observance of Lent bring blessings and hope for us all.”
Recently I was shopping in a supermarket near my home and was approached by a woman who greeted me saying: “You is dat Catholic lady, ent?” She proceeded to tell me about a dream she had had a few weeks before our meeting. She is not a Catholic and was surprised that in her dream “Mother Mary”, as she called her, appeared to her and dropped a rosary on her ironing board. Since she did not have a rosary, she went to Mount St Benedict and purchased one.
However, she does not know how to pray the rosary. She just carries it in her handbag and talks to “Mother Mary” every day. She knew part of the Hail Mary and jumped at my offer to write this prayer for her on a piece of paper. We prayed together and I gave her my telephone number so that she can contact me. She wants me to teach her how to pray the rosary.
What is your prayer life like? During Lent find time to pray. Prayer helps us to draw closer to God; to clothe us in the armour of God so that we can resist temptation; to practise virtue; and to obtain God’s grace.
Remember, though, that the fruits of our faith are prayer AND good works. As is stated in James 2:17: “…if good works do not go with (faith), it is quite dead.” During this Lenten period, let us take up the challenge as Catholics to become who we are and to lead others to Christ through our witness.
Please note that on Tuesday, March 22, Fr Clyde Harvey, Thora Best, Nadine Bushell, and I will be discussing Pope Benedict XVI’s Lenten Message on CCSJ’s TV programme on TCN from 8.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.
