By Samuel Torres
In the church, Lent brings a time of reflection and pause, an opportunity for each of us to think of how we are demonstrating our fidelity to our faith. Our Catholic school communities walk with our students through the 40 days of Lent. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, students received ashes to help them consider the relationship between the physical and spiritual reality of our existence. Our Lenten journey is a prayerful time to take stock of our lives, and to allow our hearts to prepare for the glory of Easter.
This time of year, we seek to quiet our rushed lives, increase our spiritual devotions, while listening intently to the meaning of God’s word in our lives. The potential for this quiet time unearths a new awareness of our vulnerability to sin, humbles our spirit, and renews in us a reverence for the solitude of God as we journey towards Easter in an attitude of reparation and gratitude.
Many young people will sacrifice pleasures such as giving up soda, candy, social media, or whatever they choose. They will also consider incorporating some new prayer practice, service or charity as they contemplate God’s immense love during Lent. As they choose to help around the house, add a prayer walk or take time to uplift others, may we all see our Lord in the faces of our young. May we minister to others with the faith of a child, allowing our children to lead us by their examples? We can all keep it simple, as a child would, to perfectly honor the glory of Jesus. United as children under the risen Lord we celebrate His majesty and thank Him for His guidance on our journey back to Him. Please remember our Catholic school children in your prayers this Lent. May the joy of Easter fill your heart with peace and gratitude!
Samuel Torres is Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of San Bernardino.