Second Lent Reflection for 2017 - Voice of The Faithful

First Sunday of Lent, March 5, to Tuesday, March 7

Reflection

While Lent challenges us to stop—it does not invite us to indolence. Thomas Moore observes, “When we think of work, we only consider function, and so the soul elements are left to chance. Where there is no artfulness about life, there is a weakening of soul.” (Care of the Soul, p. 156.)

Moore also explains that the technical name for the group of rituals that we share in church is “liturgy,” Which derives from the Greek words laos and ergos. These two words together can be translated as “ordinary person’s work” or the “labor of the laity.” This is the soul’s work, and it is soul’s work that we are called to do when we stop pouring our life force into the transitory challenges and pleasures of the physical world.

Physical work is a very important part of life in a monastery—not only for survival, but as an adjunct to spiritual growth. Use the time you spend “working” to engage your soul as well—in reflection, in prayer, in gratitude. Challenge yourself to be intentional about everything you do, from the most mundane task to treasured moments of prayer.