A Lenten Reflection by Brother Charlie Jackson, SJ

LENT

“After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee
proclaiming the gospel of God: ‘This is the time of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the
gospel.’” (Mark 1:12-15)

Jesus began his public ministry by calling the people of Galilee to repentance. The repentance to which Jesus was calling them was a change of mind and heart. It would be the work not of the moment but of a lifetime. Jesus was not calling the people of Galilee to temporarily give up something. He was calling them both to turn away from whatever impeded their relationship with God and to open themselves to the love that God wished to share with them. The kingdom of God, Jesus told them, was at hand.

Lent calls us to something similar. We might often think of Lent as a time when we give up things
that we like, such as candy or movies, but ultimately Lent is meant to be a time when we seriously reflect on our lives, and turn away from whatever hinders us in our relationship with God, and open ourselves to the love that God wishes so ardently to share with us.

Allow me to suggest something to help in this: the examination of consciousness. The examination of consciousness is a prayer of simple attentiveness to God to perceive where God has been active in our lives and to discern what within us may be resisting God’s action and to what God is calling us. As with any prayer, it is important to find a suitable time and place for it. It is often done at the end of the day. The more often it is done, however, the more natural it becomes. It thus becomes a way of being, a way of growing into an ever-closer relationship with God.

In his Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius described the examination of consciousness and suggested five steps:

(1) to recall the gifts that God has given you, (2) to ask God to open you to what he wishes to reveal to you, (3) to review your day with God, (4) to ask for God’s healing grace and (5) to plan how you will live tomorrow in accord with God’s loving desire for you.

Hearts On Fire Annual Award Dinner

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Double Tree Guest SuitesAnaheim Resort and Convention Center

The Loyola Institute for Spirituality's Hearts on Fire Celebration is an annual dinner and fundraiser. It provides an opportunity each spring to celebrate the work of the Institute and those who have contributed to it in many different ways, and an opportunity to increase financial support for the organization. If you or anyone you know is interested in attending this celebration,please contact the office and request an invitation. (714-997-9587)

Hearts on Fire Award: Bishop Gordon Bennett, S.J.
Writer's Award in Spirituality: Rev. James Martin, S.J.
Rosita Diaz Award: Mr. & Mrs. Eleuterio and Linda Rodriguez