Newsletter 3: 3 March 2020

As we commence the Lenten Season for 2020 in our Marist Schools, it is timely to reflect on the meaning and importance of this holy season. The following reflections by our Holy Father, Pope Francis provide some simple, practical insights to share with our students.

On Ash Wednesday, during catechesis with his weekly audience, Pope Francis reflected on the 40 days spent by Jesus in the desert and said that, during the Lenten season, we are called to imitate Jesus and seek places of silence, in order to hear the God’s word and experience God’s call. “In the desert one hears the Word of God, one finds intimacy with God and the love of the Lord,” said Pope Francis, noting Jesus’ example of seeking God, in silence. He observed that, for many of us, “silence” is elusive, in an environment “polluted by too much verbal violence,” with “offensive and harmful words” that are often amplified in social media. Pope Francis implores us this Lent to simple actions, which are readily possible for all members of our school communities.

"Lent is a time in which to turn off the television and open the Bible!”

"Lent is a time to disconnect from cell phones and connect to the Gospel!”

"Lent is the time to give up useless words, chatter, rumours, gossip, and to speak directly to the Lord."

In a world in which we often struggle to distinguish the voice of the Lord, Jesus calls us into the desert and invites us to listen to what matters, Pope Francis explained. The Pope also noted that the solitude of the desert increases our sensitivity to those who quietly cry out for help.

“Even today, close to us, there are many deserts, many lonely people: they are the lonely and the abandoned. How many poor and old people live near us in silence, marginalized and discarded”.

The desert of Lent leads us to them, he continued. It is a journey of charity towards those who are weak and in need. Pope Francis concluded his catechesis reiterating that the path through the Lenten desert is made up of “prayer, fasting, works of mercy”, so that it may lead us “from death to life”.

“If we enter the desert with Jesus, we will leave it at Easter when the power of God’s love renews life.”

As Marist educators, may our actions, words and silence bear witness to the meaning of Lent, with our students and one another.