Welcome to Faith Path 2009!
The forty days of Lent are a grace and blessing for us. We take time
as individuals and as a community of faith to step back and review our
direction, the path we've chosen in life. For us Christians our path is
meant to be in sync with the Way of Jesus. We are disciples, followers
of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "Whoever wishes to be my follower must deny
his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in my footsteps"
(Luke 9: 23). St. Paul told us, "Your attitude must be that of Christ"
(Philippians 2; 5).
Becoming a faithful disciple is a lifelong process. And we do not live
our discipleship in a vacuum. As the world around us changes and the
pressures of life confront us, our faith is tested and we are stretched
to discover its deeper meaning and value for our lives. We are challenged
to connect our faith with our personal experiences, our relationships, our
work and our responsibilities in the world.
In Faith Path 2009 we will reflect upon six key aspects of discipleship:
Change, Hope, Wisdom, Faith, Surrender and Compassion. The Lenten Meditations
will draw from the scriptures for Year B in the Lectionary. We will have the
opportunity to share our faith with others by sharing our thoughts and
struggles, and the graces and gifts with which God has blessed us all.
The goal is to leave ourselves open to the movement of the Holy Spirit
so that God can renew our faith and prepare us for mission as the
disciples of Jesus.
Use this booklet as your Lenten Prayer Book. Take it with you when you're on
the road. Before you join your sisters and brothers for small faith-group
sharing, read the scriptures indicated for each week. The citation in bold
will be the primary focus for each of the meditations and is meant to be
read aloud when your small group begins its introductory prayer. Ponder
the questions at the end of each meditation in preparation for your group's
gathering. When you have the opportunity to share with your group, remember
to own what you say. In other words, speak about yourself and speak from
your heart. Do not generalize about all Christians. These sessions are not
"education" sessions, but exercises in building a stronger spiritual life.
During these forty days of Lent we pray that God will make us ready to renew
our Baptismal vows at Easter and prepare us for sharing all the more zealously
in the mission of the Risen Christ for the life of the world.
Fr. Ron Lewinski
Ash Wednesday 2009
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