Ash Wednesday is a day that begins a period of 40 days that the church has set aside as a time to fast, pray, and abstain from activities and pleasures in order to draw closer to God.
What better way to do this than reflect on the person of Jesus Christ? After all, he is the embodiment of God and by studying his life, his words, and his actions, we can learn how to treat others, how to live an honest and holy life, and how to love ourselves in a balanced way. People are seeking God in all sorts of ways, but why do so many ignore the very person of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God?
Jesus is Our Example
Jesus is the perfect example of a life well-lived; a life of service and sacrifice. Jesus knew his purpose in life and dedicated each day to fulfilling it. He made it a priority to heal, to help, to encourage those who were hurting. He was a friend to the poor, the outcast, and the lonely. Most importantly, Jesus followed the will of God, and not his own will, straight to the cross. Guiltless, he paid the penalty for all of our sins in one sacrificial act of atonement.
Isn't that the truest example of love? To sacrifice yourself for someone else? Denying oneself not just of pizza or chocolate, but to lay down one's very life for another. To follow the will of God? Jesus gave his life so we could be set free and forgiven from ALL our sins, mistakes, guilt, shame, insecurities, doubts and fears. Think about that for a bit.
For Reflection
If you have not considered Jesus lately, dear one, I encourage you to make time to get quiet this Lenten season and do so. Jesus is not just some teacher or prophet. He is so much more than that. He is a friend who stays closer than a brother. He is our peace and our hope. He is the incarnation of God on earth and he died to remove the veil from our eyes so that we can have true peace, joy, abundance, and a life that exceeds our wildest dreams!
Stay tuned for more on igniting the power within and until next time,
Keep looking up!
Ariel Paz
What does Lent mean to you? Is it business as usual? Some try to give up chocolate, television, or some other material thing that brings them pleasure. I think Lent is about more than that. Lent is a time to cut back on activities and fleshly pursuits, as well as food, so that we can use that time to reflect and connect more with ourselves, with God, and with others.
What better way to do this than reflect on the person of Jesus Christ? After all, he is the embodiment of God and by studying his life, his words, and his actions, we can learn how to treat others, how to live an honest and holy life, and how to love ourselves in a balanced way. People are seeking God in all sorts of ways, but why do so many ignore the very person of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God?
Jesus is Our Example
Jesus is the perfect example of a life well-lived; a life of service and sacrifice. Jesus knew his purpose in life and dedicated each day to fulfilling it. He made it a priority to heal, to help, to encourage those who were hurting. He was a friend to the poor, the outcast, and the lonely. Most importantly, Jesus followed the will of God, and not his own will, straight to the cross. Guiltless, he paid the penalty for all of our sins in one sacrificial act of atonement.
Isn't that the truest example of love? To sacrifice yourself for someone else? Denying oneself not just of pizza or chocolate, but to lay down one's very life for another. To follow the will of God? Jesus gave his life so we could be set free and forgiven from ALL our sins, mistakes, guilt, shame, insecurities, doubts and fears. Think about that for a bit.
For Reflection
If you have not considered Jesus lately, dear one, I encourage you to make time to get quiet this Lenten season and do so. Jesus is not just some teacher or prophet. He is so much more than that. He is a friend who stays closer than a brother. He is our peace and our hope. He is the incarnation of God on earth and he died to remove the veil from our eyes so that we can have true peace, joy, abundance, and a life that exceeds our wildest dreams!
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Stay tuned for more on igniting the power within and until next time,
Keep looking up!
Ariel Paz
I remember in my Catholic upbringing we were encouraged to give up something for Lent. Everybody did it but it was usually something that would benefit them in the long run even if it was difficult. A good thing done with the wrong motives...like giving up all junk food because you want to look good on the beach in a few short months. Man sees the outward appearance but God knows the heart.
ReplyDeleteTry giving something rather than giving something up this Lent and see how it blesses another person.