Spirit of God, who dwells in all creation,
I allow you to love me without reservation
The season of Lent invites us to strip away all that distracts us from recognizing the God who dwells within us. Maybe you are having trouble getting in the mood for any Lenten practice that strips away more than you already have had stripped away during the pandemic. Perhaps you are totally ready to get out of the wilderness and move into the light. With the isolation, fear and losses of this past year; polarization in the U.S.; Russia at war with Ukraine; disasters caused by climate change; and so much suffering and destruction in the world, how can one get any glimpses of resurrection? It is understandable to have these feelings. To concentrate on Lent may feel like too much! Perhaps adding one small thing is all you can handle this year. In her Lent reflections, Paula D'Arcy suggests that you memorize the above phrase and say it to yourself everyday during Lent. Eventually you will open to God and experience the deep love that God desires to give you...a love and compassion that wants to gather you under Her wings as a hen gathers her brood. (Luke 13: 34).
While Jesus was heading toward the wilderness where he would be tempted, he heard God remind him, "You are my Beloved." We too are God's beloved. Listen to the voice that says, "I have called you by name, from the very beginning. You are mine and I am yours. You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests. I have molded you in the depth of the earth and knitted you together in your mother's womb. I have carved you in the palm of my hands and hidden you in the shadow of my embrace. I look at you with infinite tenderness and care for you with a care more intimate than that of a mother for her child. I have counted every hair on your head and guided you at every step. Wherever you go, I go with you, and wherever you rest, I keep watch. I will give you food that will satisfy all your hunger and drink that will quench all your thirst. I will not hide my face from you. You know me as your own as I know you as my own. You belong to me. I am your father, your mother, your brother, your sister, your lover, and your spouse, yes, even your child...wherever you are I will be. Nothing will ever separate us. We are one." (p. 30)
Nowen suggests that every time you listen intently to the voice who calls you "Beloved", you will want to hear that voice longer and more deeply. "It is like discovering a well in the desert." (p. 31) Each time you hear it, you remove a little more dry sand that covers the well. Allow God to love you without reservation and see what you discover on this journey. Let your heart be restored.
Prayer
You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours;
do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
This is enough for me.
~PAG
Reflection questions:
What if the only thing you did for Lent this year was to take some time each day to remember that you are God's Beloved?
What might happen if you memorized this phrase and said it each day of Lent? "Spirit of God, who dwells in all creation. I allow you to love me without reservation." What could your life be like by Easter?
References:
D'Arcy, Paula (2007) "Daily Reflections for Lent and Easter". Daybreaks. Liguori, MO: Liguori Publications"
Loewen, L. (March 4, 2022) "Freerangefriday: Sitting in God's Love for Lent", Godspace.
Nouwen, H. (1998) Life of the Beloved. New York: Crossroads
Pray As You Go (PAG)- Lenten prayer
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