"Anchored in Hope: A Lenten Journey of Love

Happy Lent! We might not think of Lent as a ‘happy’ time, but that is the way God thinks about this season. He looks forward to it! To him, Lent is an exciting time, a hopeful time, a time for his children to come home to him. Rather than viewing Lent with reluctance, we are invited to welcome it as a moment of great hope, a time to experience God’s infinite love and mercy.

This year’s motto, Anchored in the Covenant – Queen of Hope, Lead Us, reminds us that our Lenten journey is one of hope, rooted in God’s love. We are called to embrace the three pillars of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—as ways to draw closer to God and share His hope with others.

Prayer: Anchored in Hope

As pilgrims of hope we journey in prayer. Prayer is the anchor that secures us in God’s heart. As St. Augustine explains, “This is the great difference between an ordinary anchor and the anchor of hope. An ordinary anchor is dropped into the depths; the anchor of hope is dropped into God, into the heart of God.” Prayer strengthens our relationship with Him and renews our spirit, making it possible for us to face life’s challenges with confidence.

Prayer is like a guided missile that can be launched from anywhere on the face of the planet, at any target, and there is no defense against it. It is a powerful weapon against despair and a source of grace. Through prayer, we become “prayer warriors,” lifting up intentions for others—firefighters, the President, prisoners, those in war-torn lands—offering them the hope that comes from God’s mercy.

Fasting: A Path to Spiritual Renewal

As pilgrims of hope we also want to embrace the call to fast during this blessed time. Fasting is more than denying ourselves food—it is an act of discipline that refines our hearts and draws us closer to God. When we fast we repent, open our hearts to the Lord and are invited to pray for specific intentions. Instead of simply giving up chocolate or social media, we are challenged to fast in ways that transform our hearts. Fast from saying hurtful words and say kind words. Fast from sadness and be filled with deep gratitude. Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope. Such fasting allows us to radiate love, healing, and hope to others.

Almsgiving: Love in Action

Almsgiving means offering yourself to others, whether you know them or not. It is not just about giving money but about extending kindness, compassion, and mercy. It means giving of our time, talent and treasure so that others may be lifted out of their poverty, both materially and spiritually. Simple acts like bringing a meal to someone in need, visiting the lonely, and offering a smile can make a profound impact. Just think – if we would do just one, how many people would be brought the hope of Christ through us! As we move through Lent, we are called to turn to our Queen of Hope and ask her: “Lead us.” Alone, we cannot accomplish all that this season invites us to do. But with her guidance, we can respond wholeheartedly: “Here I am, Lord!”

Happy Lent!

Let us pray together:

Lord, you call to me again in this holy time,

Help me to surrender

Help me to abandon myself to you

Help to reconcile myself to you.

Lord, you call to be again as a pilgrim of hope

Let me respond: Here I am Lord!