Wednesday, February 25, 2009

A Sweet Returning

Today, of course, is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. We have just returned from church with its softly-lit and quiet nave, solemn recitations, and liturgy for the day we are bid to remember that we are dust and to dust we shall return. I still have the ash cross on my forehead and the words of our Old Testament reading ringing in my ears: return to the Lord. These are actually the same words that I have been consciously and unconsciously saying to myself for days now: return to the Lord.

It started a few nights ago as I was saying my rosary: this sense of returning just came over me. A sweet returning. A re-focusing of my attention, a drawing inward and towards. A return to myself and to God, both of whom I have been terribly distant from without even fully realizing it.

So Lent. This is my second time observing it, and my first time doing it with any real intentionality or expectation. This time I really want to prepare myself for the miracle of Easter and what it means for us. Lent is solemn, a time to take stock of one's life, to pare down, to pray and repent--but it is rooted in joy, the joy of the Christ's resurrection, the joy of our own resurrection.

This is a prayer I say a lot and the one that is foremost in my heart during this season of prayer, fasting, and preparation: Come, Lord Jesus. Draw us to yourself. Come, Lord Jesus. Draw all things to yourself.

--Erica

8 comments:

Paul T. Corrigan said...

Erica, I am grateful for your reflections. They feel drenched in sincerity which means a lot. I am feeling a sense to "return" through reading your post. Thank you.

Matt said...

Erica, thanks so much for posting this beautiful reflection. Lent has become an important part of my life in the past few years, and your words remind me why.

Rehoboth said...

Thank you, Erica. This is my third year observing Lent, and it has made such a difference.

RC said...

Erica, this is deeply beautiful and deeply meaningful. I am touched and encouraged and strengthened. Thank you for investing in sharing with us in this way. It is a gift to our community!
--Rickey

living stones said...

Erica, I've been mediating a lot recently on what it means to be drawn to the Lord, so my heart heard an echo in your prayer. This is a beautiful reflection. Thank you so much. Love and blessings--Anna

Daniel said...

Erica, thank you for your thoughtful post! The descriptions and reflections you've shared seem to capture the essence of the season.

Jen Addis said...

Erica, I have read your reflection a couple of times now, and it has really encouraged me in my Lenten journey - yes, even though the season is still new, I have appreciated encouragement! I like the prayer asking Christ to draw all things to himself, and I believe that as He does, we let go of things that should be 'pared down' as you've said. Thanks again for sharing!

Paul T. Corrigan said...

These are all great comments. This is a wonderful example of our community working. It encourages me. Thank you again Erica, and thank you everyone for sharing your responses.

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