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Community Lent Reflections
Deepen your experience of the Season of Lent by pausing in your day to reflect on the meaning of the season. Campus Ministry is happy to present to you our Community Lent Reflections. If you would like to submit a short reflection, poem, song, or even an image to share with the community, please email Sarah your submission.
For additional online reflection resources, Campus Ministry recommends the following websites:
- http://www.sacredspace.ie/
- http://bustedhalo.com/features/fast-pray-give
- http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/
- http://www.worldvisionacts.org/challenges/sacrifice-what-feeds-you
February 22, Ash Wednesday, Senior Monica Kleekamp
Every year as the season of Lent begins, I am typically overcome with a feeling of sadness, darkness, even depression. I recently had a conversation with Sarah Boul, Fontbonne's Campus Minister and Michael Horn, one of Fontbonne's Campus Ministry Interns. In this conversation, we talked about our feelings of Lent. I shared with them my thoughts. It was interesting to verbalize my feelings about this time of preparation. I had never before really spoken these words. Upon doing so, I had a moment to re-conceptualize what Lent's true meaning is. This meaning could be different for everyone.
For me, I have realized that although Lent is a more solemn and quiet time, this may be a time for reflection that members of the American fast-paced society are not used to experiencing. Maybe that is why I tend to dread the season. Instead of looking at Lent as a time when the "Alleluia" is put away, Mass music is slower, and meat is abstained from on Fridays, I have chosen to also look at the silence of the season as a time to reflect on all that God has blessed me with. In addition to abstaining during Lent, I will make an effort to commit to doing something for others in my daily life.
Every year, Catholics and Christians experience Lent. It is a time to remember that Jesus suffered, died, and rose for our sins. The ultimate sacrifice so that we might have life. During this Lenten season, I'd like to challenge you to think about what that sacrifice really means to you and to reflect that meaning throughout your daily activities.
Thursday, February 23, Submitted by Lisa Clanton, Assistant Director of Residential Life
Lent is a time for us to deepen our prayer life, to take time to meditate, to reflect. For many of us, we’re not sure what should be the subject of our prayers and meditations. Feb. 23 was the Collegiate Day of Prayer—a tradition that was founded with the first American universities and one that carries onto today. 1153 groups of people in 727 American cities prayed for 2378 college campuses, including our own. To learn more about this movement, go to http://www.collegiatedayofprayer.org/.
The Power & Potential of United Prayer
As the students go, so goes our nation! Students today need our support and earnest prayers. However, college students don't just need more prayer, they need our UNITED prayer. Without a greater degree of genuine unified prayer our hopes and dreams for this generation may never be realized. According to Matt 18:18-20, the greater the number united in faith and prayer, the easier the battle for this generation can be won.
This kind of unified prayer is usually born out of a sense of urgency and need. In times of great need men are willing to lay aside their differences so they can find a sure path to safety and blessing. For the Church that path is united prayer. "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of NEED." -Heb 4:16. A humble recognition of great need combined with great faith in Christ always awakens united prayer. When Jesus was moved with compassion upon seeing the needs of the multitudes, He urged His friends and disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray..." Matt 9:36-38. Biblically and historically, united prayer has always been the means of grace to bridge the gap between a great need and a great awakening! This generation needs our unified prayers - Please join us in praying for our campus and America's colleges!
What should you pray? Pray for students to be awakened to the God that unites us all.
- · Pray for an open Heaven – A posture of worship & adoration
- · Pray for an open Heart – A posture of humility & submission
- · Pray for an open Hand – A posture of joyful & sacrificial giving
Friday, February 24. Submitted by sophomore Cassie Dougherty
The season of a Lent is a highlight in the Christian calendar. An opportunity for spiritual renewal, Lent focuses on an increased emphasis on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. In beginning this Lenten journey, let us pray for our own spiritual rebirth.
God, heavenly Father, look upon me and hear my prayer during this holy Season of Lent. By the good works You inspire, help me to discipline my body and to be renewed in spirit.
Without You I can do nothing. By Your Spirit help me to know what is right and to be eager in doing Your will. Teach me to find new life through penance. Keep me from sin, and help me live by Your commandment of love. God of love, bring me back to You. Send Your Spirit to make me strong in faith and active in good works. May my acts of penance bring me Your forgiveness, open my heart to Your love, and prepare me for the coming feast of the Resurrection of Jesus.
Lord, during this Lenten Season, nourish me with Your Word of life and make me one with You in love and prayer.
Fill my heart with Your love and keep me faithful to the Gospel of Christ. Give me the grace to rise above my human weakness. Give me new life by Your Sacraments, especially the Mass.
Father, our source of life, I reach out with joy to grasp Your hand; let me walk more readily in Your ways. Guide me in Your gentle mercy, for left to myself I cannot do Your Will.
Father of love, source of all blessings, help me to pass from my old life of sin to the new life of grace. Prepare me for the glory of Your Kingdom. I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.
Amen.
This prayer and others can be found at http://catholicyouth.freeservers.com/prayers/lent.htm.
Saturday, February 25, Submitted by senior Maggie Pohl
God, you have made me and you know me. I am empty and find myself in darkness so dark that I am overwhelmed by its density. You alone know the thoughts that assault my mind. You alone know my anxious ways. You alone know the demands that haunt me unceasingly. …God, where are you in all this? You said that you would not leave me, yet I feel abandoned and exposed. Rescue me from me. Quick, God, I can’t wait. Send your Spirit to my rescue, in the name of love. Amen. -Juanita Campbell Rasmus
This prayer is often how I feel during the Lenten season. I often feel anxious and abandoned. It becomes hard to see Christ in the midst of all the depression and sadness throughout this season. In the past I have always struggled to find the true meaning of Lent. This year my view on Lent is a little bit different. I see Lent as a time to be fully present with Christ. Instead of seeing it as a struggle, I’m trying to see Lent as a time to give back and be more like Christ. Giving something up or adding something for the next 40 days is making us live more like Christ on a very small scale. 40 days may seem like a lifetime when you are giving up caffeine or fast food, but how does that even compare to giving up your own life because that is what Christ did for each one of us.
Lent is about a time to see Christ for everything he has done for us. Not only did he die to save us all, but He gave us hope that life will go on. He never said it was going to be easy, but as long as we believe in Him He will be standing right by our sides guiding us every day. Like the prayer mentions, sometimes it is hard to see God in while we are down, but I think that is the best time to find God. It is through our struggles that we begin to rely more on God and see his strength work through us. He went through pain and suffering but He has brought us to salvation. Without Christ, none of us would be where we are today. Christ has become my hope, my strength, my comforter, my all-in-all. His victory on the cross has made me live a life for Christ.
There is a song that I heard a couple months ago that always gets me thinking about Christ’s role in my life and how much He has given me. I encourage each of you to listen to the song and reflect on a line or two that really strikes you. God is doing amazing things in our lives, even though the depression and sadness. Just listen to the song and remember that Christ is the strength within each of us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnWw24s5gG8
Monday, February 27, Submitted by graduate intern, Br. Francis Orozco, O.P.
Mark 1:12-15
During difficult times we realize that we need others. Without our friends or family or those that understand us, we would not be able to continue on with our work or our projects without any real purpose. Sometimes we have to face a trial alone. But do we ever really face temptations alone; are we really alone when we are “among wild beasts”?
When Christ was in the desert he may not have had other people around him, but he was not alone. The angels were with him. When we were younger perhaps we were told about our guardian angel that watches over us and protects us. As adults perhaps we dismiss this. But we should remember that God makes himself known to us in various ways; in Christ of course, but also in other people in our lives, in his answer to our prayers, and in his angels. When tempted by Satan the angels ministered to Christ, when we are tempted we have others to turn to but also to Christ and to prayer. God answers our prayers and sends angels to be among us and guide us toward him amidst the temptations and beasts this Lenten season and throughout our lives.
Tuesday, February 28, Submitted by Campus Ministry intern Michael Horn
Happy First Tuesday of Lent! It has a ring to it, no? Ok, fine.
How are things going in your life? Still busy? Starting to get busy? Sad or dull? Dragging? Me too. Fear not, as the Bible states over 100 times.
Christ walks with us each and every step of our Lenten journey and we have the opportunity to walk with Him to Calvary. As Lent is a time of sacrifice and penitence, we have the opportunity to examine our lives and find truths. Personally, I have noticed through my life that the more I sacrifice, serve, and simplify, the better I become as a man of God. Often we make life too complicated with all of our choices. In reality, the only decision we need to make is to follow Christ and walk with Him, through the good and the bad. Nothing on this earth can satisfy you like Christ can. Nothing can bring you true joy like Christ can. Nothing can make you better like prayer and
sacrifice can.
The readings today (http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022812.cfm) remind us to bear fruit in our lives by following the word of God and sharing it with all. In the gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray the Lord’s prayer. What power there is in that prayer! We acknowledge the sacredness of God and our need for God’s sustenance and remind ourselves that we must forgive in order to be forgiven.
As an ardent Coldplay fan, the song “Viva la Vida” perfectly describes Lent for me. It is a song that talks about our attitudes toward living. Maybe we have been on top of the world for a while. Maybe we have been humbled and conquered by enemies. At any rate, Lent calls us to die to self, to put on humility, and to acknowledge our dependence and subjection to God Most High. The Word teaches us to die to self. The Word reminds us how to be His mirror, His sword, and His shield. The Word tells us to be missionaries in a foreign field wherever that may be.
Lent isn’t so bad. As the priest said at Mass Sunday, God doesn’t promise that there won’t be rain; He promises that there will be sunshine. In dying to transient things, we have everlasting life in Christ. For life to reign, we must die. Es lebe das Leben. Viva la vida. Long live life!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oncmL69ZEJ8&feature=related
Wednesday, February 29, submitted by senior Cece Campbell
Traditionally, Lent is a time for personal conversion with God and preparation for Easter celebration. During Lent, Christians practice spiritual disciplines of fasting, praying and almsgiving to become more mindful of their dependence upon God's healing graces. Remaining relevant is vital, and updating our traditional routine affords us with new freedom to practice our faith with more discipline. We must stay mindful and realize that we should take life one day at a time. One way to be active in our quests as being people of faith is finding practical ideas for fasting, prayer, and almsgiving on a daily basis. The daily approach allows room for forgiveness incase a person feels discouraged or has decided to give up Lenten sacrifices.
Busted Halo, a website for young adult Catholics suggests an exciting approach to the standard Lenten sacrifice. Even though the website is for young adult Catholics, people of all faiths can apply the insights found within their Lenten calendar. The website suggests daily commitments to fast, pray, and give. The small daily commitments really do add up to a bigger commitment of committing to God more regularly during our daily lives. Some days, the website encourages you to FAST from judging other people and their imperfections. Other days challenges you to do small things like GIVE away something that adds clutter to your life in order to live more simply and it reminds us to PRAY for strength, courage, and serenity.
Don't be afraid to fast, pray, and give. Remember that people of all faith backgrounds are welcome to participate because much can be gained from this experience! Congratulations to all of those who are going strong on the Lenten promises you made for yourself. To those of you who have gone astray, stay encouraged, and don't give up! Instead of feeling discouraged, join in on the fun challenges that Busted Halo presents and continue in your path towards renewing your spiritual energy everyday during Lent: http://bustedhalo.com/features/fast-pray-give
Thursday, March 1, submitted by an anonymous person
Recently, as we are all aware, Whitney Houston tragically passed away. Of course, many of us knew her as a legendary pop superstar, and of course, she was. However, I saw a brief look into her life and death that moved me when I caught the end of her “home going” as it was called—her funeral.
Had I realized earlier that it would last so long, I would have made an effort to watch more of it. I was not home when it started and assumed it would be almost over if I hurried home. Like many others, I wanted to watch because I believed that it would be filled with star performances—the usual superstar spectacle (not very sympathetic by probably typical of many viewers).
You might ask what this has to do with Lent? As I watched the service near the end, I was moved by the presider, Rev. Winans, and the reactions from the overflowing attendees. Her urged everyone near the end of his eulogy that we must all “prioritize” and it just stuck with me—partially because it was simple and made sense and partially because of the reaction from the people gathered who sincerely embraced the thought. At that moment, I vowed to make this my Lenten theme.
We all waste so much time worrying about things that aren’t really that important—how much money and material things we possess, whether or not we are in the “popular” group or what we are going to do next. But when it comes to God, none of that really matters. He forgives us for putting all of these things first with the hope that someday we will realize that we should put Him first. How can we do that? Love one another; do nice things for each other; help those that need help, realize and use our gifts and forget about the material stuff! Thank Him daily for what you have and how you can use it to help others. During this Lenten season, remember why we observe the death of our Savior and try to PRIORITIZE!
Friday, March 2, submitted by OPTIONS staff member, Janine Russell.
Janine shares this from her church community,--the Church of the Living God.
REFOCUS FOR LENT
Give up complaining —
focus on gratitude.
Give up harsh judgments — think kind thoughts.
Give up worry — trust God to provide.
Give up discouragement — be full of hope.
Give up bitterness — turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred — return good for evil.
Give up anger — be more patient.
Give up pettiness — become mature.
Give up jealousy — pray for trust.
Give up gossiping — control your tongue.
Give up sin — turn to virtue.
Give up giving up — persevere.
—Author unknown
Saturday, March 3, a second submission from Janine Russell's church community--Church of the Living God
Adding Something For Lent
Lent is not all about giving things up. It's also about adding good things to our lives or to others' lives
Try these:
- Reconcile yourself to someone you did something bad to, don't like, or even hate, or just intentionally stayed away from.
- Do acts of kindness for people, just because the opportunity's there; give them little tastes of God's love.
10 Questions to Ask Yourself:
1. When I wake up on Resurrection Sunday morning, how will I be different?
2. Is there a habit or sin in my life that repeatedly gets in the way of loving God with my whole heart or loving my neighbor as myself? How do I address that habit over the next 40 days?
3. Is there anyone in my life from whom I need to ask forgiveness or pursue reconciliation?
4. What practical steps can I take to carve out time for daily contemplation?
5. What spiritual discipline do I need to improve upon or want to try?
6. What are some things in my life that I tell myself I need but I don’t? Can I give one or two of them up for 40 days?
7. Why am I giving this particular thing up? How does giving it up draw me closer to God and prepare me for Easter?
8. What am I going to tell myself when self-denial gets hard?
9. Is it necessary/helpful for me to share the nature my fast with others or should I keep it private?
10. Commit to 40 days of praying for your enemies, praying that they will be blessed, that they will find health and peace and grace, that they will come to know Jesus or experience the love of Christ more fully.
Monday, March 5, submitted by sophomore Tabitha Bennight
I like many others, I’m sure, I really use Lent as a time to focus on my inner self. Many people look at Lent as a time to give something up as a way to remember the great sacrifice God did for us when He gave up His only son. I do feel that this is a great way to look at Lent and to keep ourselves focus on the season. During Lent I look at myself and judge my faults. So many times I look at myself and question how God could make such a great sacrifice for me. So many times we get so hung up on ours faults that it’s almost impossible to see ourselves as the true way God created us. I recently found two poems that I felt really fit into my life in the way I approach Lent. My goal for this year’s season of Lent has been to realize that God made me in His image and instead of focusing inward only myself, to instead try and use the gifts God gave me to go upward and outward. When I say this, I mean to use my faith to help others, create relationships, be there for others in any way I can, and so many other things.
The Glory of the Lord shall be the light that leads
Yes it is
He who teaches and feeds
The precious redeemer, the most blessed I AM,
Whom laid down His life, that sinless lamb
Oh blood that was spilt that I might be free!
What love! What mercy the Lord has for me
Vain sins stain the days of my youth,
Long before my heart found the truth
I canst now imagine our Fathers pride
In knowing I long to be by His side
Such Joy, such peace doth now reside
Whither I wander His grace abides
He carries the burdens of earthly life, lifts my spirits in times of strife
Directs the path as forward I stride
And hearkens my prayers in the still of the night
***
The earth is trembling, yes it is shaking
for the
sufferings of this world my Lord’s heart is breaking
To those who have strayed and lost their way
His voice is calling to you this day
He alone brings soul restoration, won’t you welcome His invitation?
No matter how filthy or vile you might feel
In labor of love, His hands will heal
Though sins be as many as the desert sands
He forever deletes remembrance of them
What tender compassion that bears repeating
As from the world your heart goes fleeing
My prayer for you during this Lenten season is to focus on the perfect image God made you in. Remember that God chose you!
Fr. Brad Modde shared the below poem with us during his Ash Wednesday homily in Doerr Chapel. While it’s certainly written from a Christian perspective, we can replace the word “Christian” with “believer” or “person of faith” and, I think, all agree on the truths of this text. May this encourage you on this 13th day of Lent. Only 27 more to go!
Being a Christian
by Maya Angelou
When I say..."I am a Christian", I'm not shouting I'm clean livin'.
I'm whispering I was lost, now I'm found and forgiven.
When I say..."I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need [God] to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need HIS strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches so I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace,
somehow.
A few of our students who practice the Baha’i faith have shared with Campus Ministry that their spiritual community is also in the midst of a fast—a 19 day fast that ends on March 20 with their new year called Naw-Rúz. These Baha’i students shared with me the below article. May this article written by a practicing Baha’i remind us of why we keep our Lenten promises and may it renew our commitment to keep them these 40 days.
It’s Not About the Food! Reflections on the Fast
February 29, 2012
By. Margaret Tash
As both new and not-so-new Baha’is in our cluster prepare for the Fast, I feel moved to offer my personal reflections on this sacred time. Over the years, many of the friends – myself included – seem to place a disproportionate amount of emphasis on the physical aspects of the Fast. I approach each Fast with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety – anticipation from knowing what a blessing it is, and anxiety from thinking I won’t be able to keep it perfectly. Later, I’ll add guilt to the mix if I slip even one little bit. There’s got to be a better way!
What am I doing? I’m employing a ‘false dichotomy’ of which the Universal House of Justice speaks – that black-and-white thinking based on our goal-oriented culture. You know – you’re either fasting … or you’re not. Success. Failure. If you are fasting, you’ve either been able to fast all day … or not. On the Fast. Off the Fast. Is this what the Blessed Beauty meant for us to learn from this precious gift? I think not.
After 40 years as a Baha’i, I’m still learning to unravel the mystery of the Fast. So much of our precious Faith is about sincere intention, linked to a fervent yearning and a striving to put into action what Baha’u’llah has asked us to do. I know this intellectually, but how in heaven’s name do I get rid of my anxiety so that I can partake of all that the Fast offers me?
If it’s not about the food, what is the Fast about? There’s no doubt that some preparation in advance makes the physical fast more manageable. After all, we are human beings with bodies that need to be fed. A change in routine causes our brains to get anxious and our blood sugar levels to bounce around. YIKES! What do we do? Baha’u’llah wrote: “Assist me and assist them, O my Lord, to obey Thee and to keep Thy precepts.” Oh. We can ask for help. Pray! That seems to be a good first step. Being prepared spiritually, as well as physically, helps us tackle the challenges we face … and yes, there will be challenges!...
...I’m personally embarrassed by how much time I lose during
the year when I’m not fasting. Then, I’m either thinking about food, planning a
meal or snack, preparing food, or actually eating it. During the Fast, the days
stretch ahead of me with nothing to distract me. Makes me wonder how much I
could really accomplish if I fasted year-round! The journey of the Fast is deeply personal and intimate,
between the individual and God – no one else. Baha’u’llah simply asks
that we do our best. Let our hearts be strengthened and our spirits
refreshed by this. As we take each faltering, not-so-perfect step, be assured
Baha’u’llah is there, waiting to take our hand and lead us the rest of the
way. http://www.bahai.us/2012/02/29/it%E2%80%99s-not-about-the-food-reflections-on-the-fast/
During this season of Lent, we are to center ourselves on prayer, fasting, and almgivings. While we may not always be able to give monetary alms, we can certainly give alms in the act of fighting for justice in our world. In solidarity with Invisible Children and their efforts to stop Joseph Kony and end violence and terror in Central Africa, Campus Ministry offers this prayer that was found on the Education for Justice website, www.educationforjustice.org
THE SEARCH FOR JUSTICE, PEACE AND TRUTH
By: Rabbi H. Rolando Matalon
O God Source of Life, Creator of Peace,
help Your children, anguished and confused,
to understand the futility of hatred and violence
and grant them the ability to stretch across
political, religious and national boundaries
so they may confront horror and fear
by continuing together
in the search for justice, peace and truth.
With every fiber of our being
we beg You, O God,
to help us not to fail nor falter.
Amen.
Friday, March 9, submitted by student Libby Brauss
What if we looked at Lent not as a time of sacrifice or sadness, but as a practice of hope. One of my favorite scripture passages is Romans 5:3-4.
"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character; and character hope."
Lent can be a time to practice perseverance in the things that we have either given up or taken on. From that, our character will be built. Then, we will experience the hope that Jesus promised in His coming again.
My prayer for myself and for you this Lent is that in any time of doubt or darkness, may we persevere and have hope.