A reflection for Ash Wednesday
By Henri Nouwen
How
often have I lived through these weeks without paying much attention to
penance, fasting, and prayer? How often have I missed the spiritual
fruits of the season without even being aware of it? But how can I ever
really celebrate Easter without observing Lent? How can I rejoice fully
in your Resurrection when I have avoided participating in your death?
Yes,
Lord, I have to die—with you, through you, and in you—and thus become
ready to recognize you when you appear to me in your Resurrection. There
is so much in me that needs to die: false attachments, greed and anger,
impatience and stinginess.... I see clearly now how little I have died
with you, really gone your way and been faithful to it. O Lord, make
this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again.
Amen.
Henri Nouwen, A Cry for Mercy: Prayers from the Genesee (Orbis)
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