INTRODUCTION: Ash Wednesday begins with an invitation from Jesus to be intentional about our spiritual practices. Spiritual practices are the arena in which we grow deeper in our love relationship with God and wider in our love relationship with those around us. Lent asks us to stretch ourselves deeper and wider through giving to others, being in conversation with God, and letting go of the life clutter that keeps us from remembering who we are as God’s beloved children.
This week spend time in prayerful reflection thinking about how you intend to grow deeper and wider this Lent. Be open and curious about this. Our Lent spiritual practices are about “I get to and I want to” not about “I have to and I must.” Love is at the heart of our deeper and wider.
And remember: Jesus is very clear that our practices of giving, praying, and fasting are a secret with our Father. There’s no bragging or showing off when it comes to spiritual practices.