La sanaci�n espiritual de la Cuaresma

Monday, February 28, 2011

*Cheryl Whapham

English Spanish

Recientemente, he escuchado a algunas personas decir: �Gracias a Dios, ya casi es Cuaresma�. Tengo que re�r porque no puedo estar m�s de acuerdo. Estoy lista para que la Cuaresma comience la semana que viene. Me parece que muchos de nosotros estamos sintiendo este a�o los efectos del calendario lunar, que ha causado que la Cuaresma y la Pascua lleguen en esta primavera m�s tarde de lo que estamos acostumbrados. �Qu� quiero decir con esto? Pienso que muchos de nosotros vemos la Cuaresma como algo que nos ofrece el tiempo para volver a concentrarnos en nuestra fe y reconciliar nuestras vidas con Cristo. Es un tiempo para la sanaci�n y la renovaci�n espiritual. Cuando paso tiempo en oraci�n, puedo reconocer momentos en que no he tomado las mejores decisiones, en que he descuidado algunas relaciones importantes en mi vida y, lo que es m�s significativo a�n, en que quiz�s he dejado de atender mi relaci�n con Cristo de la manera en que debo hacerlo.

�Tengo que esperar por la Cuaresma para cambiar estas cosas en mi vida? �Puedo comenzar hoy y no esperar hasta el 9 de marzo? �Definitivamente! El prop�sito es que, al final de cada d�a, tomemos tiempo para examinarlo. �D�nde encontr� dicha en mi d�a? �D�nde encontr� tristeza? �C�mo respond� a cada una? �D�nde encontr� a Dios en este d�a? �C�mo respond� a ese encuentro? La idea es que, si participamos en un ejercicio como �se como parte de nuestra oraci�n diaria, se reduzca la posibilidad de que nos alejemos de Dios. Eso era lo que practicaba san Ignacio de Loyola, y es la pr�ctica de los jesuitas y de muchos cristianos en la actualidad.

La misi�n principal de la Iglesia, y la misi�n de todos los bautizados, es evangelizar en el nombre de Cristo. Para realizar esa misi�n y ese ministerio, debemos permanecer cerca de Cristo a trav�s de la oraci�n y los sacramentos. Mientras escribo, la frase �no puedes dar lo que no tienes� atraviesa mi mente con frecuencia. Al realizar la misi�n principal de la Iglesia, la evangelizaci�n, debemos permanecer arraigados en Cristo y en la Iglesia. No podemos cumplir con nuestra vocaci�n bautismal si no trabajamos arduamente para mantenernos bien formados e informados para la misi�n. Estoy muy agradecida porque la Iglesia nos ofrece tiempos lit�rgicos como la Cuaresma, para que nos reunamos como comunidad cat�lica y nos reconciliemos con Cristo y con la Iglesia, con el fin de obtener fortaleza y esperanza para la misi�n que se avecina.

Comments from readers

Maria Jose Mitsoulis - 03/03/2011 10:15 AM

I agree with Cheryl, Pat, and Bishop Estevez.
Lent is a special time in the Church. Let us be open and listen to what God is saying to each of us through the symbols, the liturgies, and the people in our lives. Let's get ready.

Pat Solenski - 03/01/2011 08:42 AM

As you said, Cheryl, Lent has not surprised us since Ash Wednesday is so much later this year. Some years Ash Wednesday arrives before we have put our Christmas decorations away. But not so this year. However, as a DRE I have been planning for Lent almost since the new year began. Each year as I consider the materials for the boys and girls in the school and the religious education program, I find myself exploring more and more the depth of the season and the potential for change that the season offers. The publishers continue to provide excellent booklets and other materials for young and old. I feel gifted to have the opportunity to review these materials and in the reviewing I am renewed in the spirit of the season not only for myself but for others. I, too, feel grateful to the Church for this liturgical season.

Bishop F. J. Estevez - 02/28/2011 09:04 PM

This article is wonderful in remote preparation for Lent. When we are about to do something important we set in motion many initiatives leading to our goal, Chyril is invitating us to get ready. Today I was reading in the Catechism three paragraphs (538-540) which give an excellent context to the meaning of Lent.
Bishop Felipe J. Estevez

Maria Jose Mitsoulis - 03/03/2011 10:15 AM: I agree with Cheryl, Pat, and Bishop Estevez.
Lent is a special time in the Church. Let us be open and listen to what God is saying to each of us through the symbols, the liturgies, and the people in our lives. Let's get ready.

Pat Solenski - 03/01/2011 08:42 AM: As you said, Cheryl, Lent has not surprised us since Ash Wednesday is so much later this year. Some years Ash Wednesday arrives before we have put our Christmas decorations away. But not so this year. However, as a DRE I have been planning for Lent almost since the new year began. Each year as I consider the materials for the boys and girls in the school and the religious education program, I find myself exploring more and more the depth of the season and the potential for change that the season offers. The publishers continue to provide excellent booklets and other materials for young and old. I feel gifted to have the opportunity to review these materials and in the reviewing I am renewed in the spirit of the season not only for myself but for others. I, too, feel grateful to the Church for this liturgical season.

Bishop F. J. Estevez - 02/28/2011 09:04 PM: This article is wonderful in remote preparation for Lent. When we are about to do something important we set in motion many initiatives leading to our goal, Chyril is invitating us to get ready. Today I was reading in the Catechism three paragraphs (538-540) which give an excellent context to the meaning of Lent.
Bishop Felipe J. Estevez