On a Sunday not too long ago, I was stunned by the scene unfolding on the football field as a young player fell to the ground as if dead. The entire stadium fell silent. One by one, the players from both teams knelt down apparently praying for him.
As paramedics attended to him, using the best methods to re-start the heart that had stopped, the stadium remained silent. Obvious prayers were sent heavenward. A miracle indeed. Even the newscasters were at a loss for words, until one of them began to pray and express what most people were feeling.
The prayers were miracle enough, but in the days that followed, as the young man recovered in a Cincinnati hospital, prayers continued across the country. No one questioned the prayers that filled our city. No one tried to shut them up. This is us, being ourselves, knowing that only God can create a human heart and only God can heal a human heart that stopped.
“The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior, Who will rejoice over you
with gladness, and renew you in his love. …" Zephaniah 3:17
As we begin the season of Lent, hold on to these images. Remember our true faith and our community of faith. Get back to basics. Don’t allow the naysayers to impose or stop your reaching out to God in prayer, in penance, in giving.
“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. …” James 4:8a
This event in Cincinnati reveals the true nature of who we are. People of God. People of Faith. People of prayer. This Lent renew your efforts to pray every day. Find ways to increase spiritual strength through denying yourself, fasting from bad habits, and indulgences that do more harm than good. Look for ways to help others, give away the still good stuff cluttering your home and life. Be generous with the blessings you have received from God. Make every effort to feed the hungry, comfort the sorrowing and pray for the destitute.
“Yet even now—oracle of the LORD —return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God, For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment.” Joel 2:12-13
Let us pray for each other asking for God’s grace and mercy to make this Lent life changing. Let this be the year we remember daily to thank God for the many blessings we have received.
Blessings and peace,
Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you of two minds.” James 4:8