Lent is a season of returning to our spiritual roots.
Receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday, we are reminded to;
"turn away from sin and remain faithful to the Gospel".
In the first reading, we will read;
"return to me with your whole heart".
This requires a personal returning.
The Prodigal Son reached a point of disillusionment in life,
that was replaced by spirtiual enlightenment when he
realized he was "lost" and "came to his senses";
"I will set out and return to my Father and say to him;
I have sinned against heaven and against you".
Like this wayward Son, we may have left behind and
wandered away from our religious foundation.
For whatever reason, we may have stepped
away and wandered for a time from our faith
and our God graced eternal inheritance.
Be it physical or mental challenges, temptations of material
want or longing, cravings for something we don't have or
distracting voices that tempt us away from the one true
message, the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
What voices have have we been listening to, what examples
have we been following, what temptations or habits have
steered us away from the true purpose of life;
Our divine and eternal destiny?
Where did we fall, when did we loose out way?
Do you know He calls for your return!
He has been there since you left and patiently and joyfully
awaits for your return.
Heavenly Father,
Far have I wandered, precious time have I squandered.
Forgotten the altars of my youth, familiar voices of my learning.
I made them distant, until your touch I could no longer discern.
The example was clearly before me, but numb and
complacent I have become.
I'll set aside my personal ideologies,
my platforms and vices, my habits and my hidings,
mortal inclinations & reflexes that keep me from You.
I'll empty myself of my wants and needs and
replace my spiritual emptiness with you.
You Lord, the bare essentials of my humanity.
From a distance you see and call me.
In spite of my wanderings, you welcome me back.
Despite my weaknesses, you strengthen me with your word.
It is I who waited too long and refused to listen.
Allow me to use this season of returning, these 40 days of Lent
to return to the places I left behind, gratitude I failed to express.
"Behold, now is a very acceptable time;
behold, now is the day of salvation".
I will return, for at sunset, You accept me as I am
as I continue my journey of spiritual discernment.
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