Lent – a time for reflection and renewal

02/Mar/2022     Mission

Today is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the season of Lent.

This year, as we begin Lent, we are faced with yet another serious weather event. For all our sophistication, intelligence and technological advance we are unable to master weather. It continues to surprise and shock us with its unpredictability and intensity. There are many in the community who are deeply affected and will be for some time. However, people are incredibly resilient and with support from family, friends and community they will recover, though they may be forever changed. 

The tradition of Lent in the Christian faith is a time of new beginnings. Though not through trauma or challenge, it is a time of opportunity to make personal changes that bring love, care and compassion to others. We will especially witness actions of compassion and care over the next few weeks as our community comes together to bring comfort to their neighbourhoods. This was the message of Jesus and is the message of Lent: to bring comfort, compassion and mercy to those around us.

During Lent we are challenged to be more to others. Sisters of Mercy foundress Catherine McAuley said, “The simplest and most practical lesson I know is to resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow”. May we all strive to be better each day in all that we do. In the coming days and weeks, we will all have opportunities to live the Lenten message in our community. 

May God keep you all in the palm of His hand.

Alanna Jacoby
Chief of Mission

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