A SPIRITED LENT - One Bread, One Body, 2/6/2008

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Wednesday, February 6, 2008, Ash Wednesday

Joel 2:12-18, 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2, Psalm 51, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/020608.shtml

A SPIRITED LENT

"Your Holy Spirit take not from me." —Psalm 51:13

Today, the Church marks our foreheads with an ashen cross as we begin the
season of Lent. The ashes represent the death of a way of life. We repent
to the very depths of our being. We deny ourselves in an ever deeper way,
take up our daily cross, and follow Jesus (Lk 9:23). We turn away from sin
and turn to God with our whole heart (Jl 2:12). We even turn away from
good things the world has to offer in order to devote ourselves entirely
to God (see Jl 2:16). Moreover, we make a new beginning by throwing
ourselves on the providence of God, allowing Him to repay us if and when
He sees fit (Mt 6:18).

One of God's greatest provisions is the gift of the Holy Spirit. The
Spirit provides life-giving water in the desert of Lent (Jn 7:37). The
Holy Spirit helps us become holy in every aspect of our conduct (Rm 8:5ff;
1 Pt 1:15). The Spirit burns away complacency and stirs up zeal (2 Tm
1:6-7).

Fr. Al Lauer, founder of One Bread, One Body, said, "The more I say 'No'
to myself, the more I say 'Yes' to the Holy Spirit." This saying is a key
to help you unlock the Lent of a lifetime. When Jesus went into the
desert for forty days, He was led by the Holy Spirit (Mt 4:1). When you're
in the middle of the desert, that's a good time to be saying 'Yes' to the
Holy Spirit rather than 'No.' It's the Holy Spirit Who fights against
temptations and helps you in the self-denials of Lent (Gal 5:17).

Repent now! (2 Cor 6:2) "Be reconciled to God!" (2 Cor 5:20) Deny
yourself. "Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22).

Prayer: Father, I receive the Lenten ashes today as a sign of my desire to
receive the Holy Spirit in a life-changing way this Lent.

Promise: "Keep your deeds of mercy secret, and your Father Who sees in
secret will repay you." —Mt 6:4

Praise: Praise the Holy Spirit Who leads us into the desert to be freed.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati,
August 14, 2007

The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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