If you go to a church service today you will be invited to the observance of a
holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-
denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy word. That might sound
a bit daunting, but the idea is that we take to heart the call to repentance and
the assurance of forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel, and so grow in faith
and in devotion to our Lord.
In the book of Joel, God had declared to his people that they should return to
him with all their heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Joel called
on them to rend their hearts and not their garments.
We may choose to give something up for Lent, or take on something new or
extra, which is great. But the most important thing is what happens in our
hearts. God wants us to return to him and we can do so without fear because
he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.
With the psalmist we can pray - create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew
a steadfast spirit within me.
« Déchirez vos cœurs et non vos vêtements, et revenez à l’Eternel, votre Dieu;
car il est compatissant et miséricordieux, lent à la colère et riche en bonté. »
Par le carême Dieu nous appelle à un renouvellement de cœur, pas
seulement un changement d’activités. Il nous donne sa miséricorde pour nous
assurer de son accueil.
Avec le psalmiste nous pouvons prier - O Dieu ! Crée en moi un cœur pur,
renouvelle en moi un esprit bien disposé.
Susie Wilkinson
Time for a change of heart
Where was god for the Yazidis?
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