Monday, March 2 – Lent 2020, Day 8 of 40

What is essential for life? As our second week of the Lenten Journey begins we seek simplicity in all that we do. The abundance of material wealth brings with it trappings that keep us confined to unexpected servitude. With acquisition of more and more things and with the accumulation of stuff there comes worry, stress and anxiety. Fear follows when we think of life without – or even worse, with the loss of – these material trappings. Seeking simplicity in our life clears away the misdirected energy we have exerted toward the accumulation of stuff. Two of Jesus’ friends, Mary and Martha, approached him with sincere devotion and love, yet he singled out the devotion of one, “Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10) This day, find the simplicity in Mary’s choice.

Friday, February 28 – Lent 2020, Day 5 of 40

Jesus tells us that “Your heavenly Father knows what you need before you ask him,” which then begs the question, why pray? As much as prayer is a conversation with God, it is a equally a conversation with the self. It may sound strange that the self would not know its own needs, but too often we lose focus in life and fail to understand that many of our needs are within our grasp. The prayer to God awakens and strengthens our own resolve to actualize our dreams. “Pray then like this,” says Christ, “Our Father who is in heaven, may Your Name be holy, may Your Kingdom come, may Your Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not to the test, but deliver us from evil…. (Matthew 6) Pray so that each word and each phrase connects you to God and His Kingdom.

Thursday, February 27 – Lent 2020, Day 4 of 40

Lent comes with meaning and purpose. Far from a 40 day exercise in dieting, the Lenten Journey is a time to discipline ourselves with more concerted prayers and opportunities to exercise our giving to others. (Matthew 6) The Lenten Journey lasts 40 days but its effects are felt for the 325 days that follow. From the most athletic basketball player, to the most spiritual priest, from the most articulate poet to the most skilled surgeon, everyone who excels in their field does so through a consistent diet of discipline and focus. “I came that [you] may have life,” says our Lord Jesus, “And that you may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Meaning, purpose, focus, and discipline are the foundations of this Journey.

Lenten Journey – 2020
Sunday, February 23 – Poon Paregentan – Day of Good Living

Welcome to the Lenten Journey. Lent is a period of time set aside by the Church for personal introspection and spiritual growth. During this 40 day period you’re invited to use the tools of Fasting and Prayer coupled with expressions of Love (see Matthew 6) to make overcome the challenges of life. Beginning today we will provide daily messages to help and encourage you through this Lenten Season. Today is a day of “Good Living” in contrast to the toned-down lifestyle we begin tomorrow. Enjoy the day and be ready to take the Lenten Journey.