Everything that Jesus has done, said, and undergone is meant to show us that the love we most long for is given to us by God—not because we deserved it, but because God is a God of love. There you have it: the love of God is an unconditional love, and only that love can empower us to live together without violence. Normally I begin each post with a single excerpt from the reading that I find meaningful, relevant to the theme of the reading, and that I hope might prompt our discussion.
This week is different—and not just because I selected three excerpts. I would encourage you to take a few minutes now, right now, and reflect on these excerpts. Here is what I found. I want you to look at yourself and ask that question. Are you a follower? By reading Henri, I can better follow Jesus. For that reason, here is a fourth excerpt for your reflection, the one from the First Week of Lent.
The themes that Henri distills here are expanded upon in his writings in the final ten years of his life. He asks for a conversion—that is to say, a complete interior turnaround, a transformation. And I find it far easier to try to ignore those people and situations, rather than to pray for them.
Perhaps this is the conversion that I am called to this Lent. Uncharacteristically, this week I shared my reflection on the reading rather than presenting questions for your consideration. Please do not let that stifle your response to this important letter. What did you read and how did it affect you? Were you challenged and how did you respond? Please share what you discover. If my reflection prompts your thinking, you are encouraged to respond, positively or negatively.
He chose it not once but over and over again. At each critical moment he deliberately sought the way downwards. That being said, the deeply personal experiences and insights that were provided greatly enriched our Lenten community. We are grateful both for those of you who have openly shared your thoughts and those that are following along in quietly.
