Through the Desert…

This Sunday is our celebration of the fourth week of Lent. We continue our journey towards Easter, begun on Ash Wednesday, mindful of what is asked of us as followers of Jesus; that, at this time in particular, we are invited to take up the call to fast, pray, and give alms. As always, our world, both near and far, requires that we keep in mind, and through our actions, those people who are in need of our prayers and material support. 

The theme of Lent 2024 is Through the desert God leads us to freedom. This theme is inspired by the passage from the Book of Exodus, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery" (Ex 20:1-17). We are reminded through scripture that God sustains as we move towards the land he wants for us and those who depend on us for love and compassion. 

Pope Francis has told us, "It is time to act, and in Lent to act also means to pause. To pause in prayer, in order to receive the word of God, to pause like the Samaritan in the presence of a wounded brother or sister because ‘love of God and love of neighbour’ are one love". And so, Pope Francis asks us to take time out from our journey to pause in prayer; to reflect on our lifestyle and the choices we make; and to consider how we might more effectively be supportive for a world that is troubled and needy.

As God continues to lead us, we are challenged to show courage as we are faced with so much that is not right with our world. The Pope urges us to ‘take hope by the hand as we move forward doing all that we can to assist those who need us, and those who help others, here at home and afar. 

Project Compassion, with its ongoing tradition of encouraging us to contribute from our personal wealth anything that we can give, even if it means going without something for ourselves, is one way that Lent can be made real, for ourselves and our children. At school, our students will learn that Project Compassion, made possible by our growing knowledge and contributions, can support people in places such as parts of Africa and Asia, as well as in our own country, to realise their full potential and offer more to their own family and community.  

As our journey towards Easter continues, we pray:

… that we will deepen our faith over the whole of our lives.

 May we be open to the many lessons God wants to teach us. 

Through Project Compassion, may we support the journey of all to fullness of life. Amen.