By Tuesday, it seemed we had just recently finished off the last of the Christmas goodies and already it was time to clean out the pantry to make ready for Ash Wednesday, in preparation for our six week journey from Lent to Easter. It seems the older we get the faster the cycle goes or perhaps that is just me talking.
Well folks, this wonderful journey through Lent has begun and it gives us the opportunity to put on the brakes again and look at life squarely in the eye – take a deep breath, breath in God and slowly exhale the Spirit of healing into the world. Ask yourself, “This Lent what am I ready to exhale for the betterment of the world, my community, and myself?”
Breathing is a two way movement. Our present world needs all the breath of life we can give to it. We may need to practice some deep breathing exercises first to really make an impact individually and as a community.
- We can breathe out positivity and with each breath it will grow stronger.
- We can breathe out compassion helping to heal individuals and even daily crises.
- We can breathe out welcome to those who feel so alone.
- We can breathe out justice – take a stand, let your voice be heard.
The more deeply you breathe in the more strongly you can breathe out. We put a positive rhythm in place and life around us becomes renewed.
We can’t change the world in six weeks but we can do our part to refresh the air around us. You know the saying “It only takes a spark to get the fire going.”
This Lent may our breath spark peace, comfort, and a lived sense of community.
Are you ready? 1-2-3 altogether – BREATHE!
Barbara Vaughan CSJ