Lent has begun. A time for clearing away the obstacles and coming closer to the Lord. I love this season. It is a struggle. But, of all the opportunities in the church to come to a deeper understanding of God's work in us it occurs during this season. I read a reflection recently that I would like to share: "because I know that no one can bless and thank the Lord for what others receive if he has not first done so for his own gifts, I caution you to think about the many bonds from which the Lord has freed you and all the other snares set by the devil that you did not suspect He saved you from. As Job says, the devil has his trap hidden in the earth and God often frees us from it secretly. Let us imagine you sailed forth to battle, sailed the seas, traveled a road where many people had been attacked by thieves or killed by beasts and you realized your danger was as great as theirs and you as vulnerable to death as they, yet somehow you escaped safe and unharmed. Now being a Christian, you ought to acknowledge that God saved you and snatched you from the hands of death you yourself had gripped. You must understand this with respect to sin, for realizing your weakness, the Lord releases you from the occasion of sin and quells your desire to sin. O how many blessed favors the merciful God and our Lord Jesus Christ grant us while we sleep on oblivious to their work! Often in the very same moment we offend him, he considers how he must free us from offense and blame and acts so secretly that no mortal can discern, yet every Christian can believe it and render public thanks for the private favors..." Fr. Francesco de Osuna O.F.M. Help us O Lord to be mindful of your gifts and to render public thanks..turning away from sin and returning to the Gospel.
In this time of quiet, and in God's secrecy I am mindful of my need for gratitude of His grace and it's working in my life. Always aware that I am dust and to dust I will return.
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