Turn Away from Sin: My Thoughts

It is really hard to think that Lent 2012 is almost here.  It seems like it was only yesterday that Catholics all over the world experienced Lent 2011. I know it is early but I would like to post my lenten thoughts for 2012.  I have been having a lot of writer’s block lately especially when it comes to Ignitum Today and my own personal blog. To be quite honest, It becomes very frustrating when this happens.

If you are a blogger or any type of writer, You may very well know what I am talking about. My question for you or anyone,  how do you deal with it?  Well, I am sure there will be a variety of different answers since we are at different times in our lives. When writing, I mostly write blog posts for my own blog or I will contribute for other blogs/websites.

I have been spending a lot of time lately in prayer. Prayer is an intimate moment between us and God. We can pray in a Church, on the street, with a group of people, or even in the silence of our own bedroom.  There is not a specific way to pray.  If you’re looking for words, I encourage you to check out Matthew 6:9  which is where Our Lord teaches about prayer. It is in this story of the Sermon on the Mount, where we learn the Our Father.  You can use that as a starting point if you find it difficult to find words. When you pray, Let the words come and flow from your heart. However, Keep in mind, God knows all.  He will work with you in any life situation.

Let me guess, You are wondering what Prayer has to do with this post. Am I right?  Well, Prayer has everything to do with this post. It is through Prayer that I was able to find a topic to write about.  As we all know, the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday.  This year of 2012, Ash Wednesday is on February 22nd, 2012.

I really want to encourage everyone who reads this post to take time during this season of Lent and focus on your relationship with God.  Spend time in prayer. May this season for you be one of renewed faith in God and in his holy Church. Let us also remember the life of Jesus Christ. As most of us know, At the end of the Lenten season, We celebrate Holy Week which includes Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.  This week is filled with a lot of events.  The reason I say this is because here we have Jesus, the son of God who is betrayed, handed over to the authorities, crucified, died, buried, and rose from the dead. If I were present in those days, It would be overwhelming to watch God’s son having to endure all of this. However, I know that he did all of this for each one of us.  God loves us so he sent his only son who then died for our sins.

When thinking of the Passion story, Who can you relate to?  We have many people involved in this story.  I am not sure who I could relate to. To be quite honest, In some way or another, I could probably relate to each person involved.  Earlier in this post, I mentioned how Ash Wednesday starts the Lenten season off.

During Ash Wednesday, people all over the world will receive ashes on their forehead. I really like this because it shows “The Cross” which is a sign of our faith, but the ashes symbolize that we mourn and repent our sins to God. The ashes used are usually gathered after the burning of the previous palms from the previous Palm Sunday.

“Turn away from Sin and be faithful to the gospel” which are words we hear quite often on Ash Wednesday and throughout the Lenten season. These words are an invitation to us. Are you willing to accept? . While searching the Internet, I came across an awesome reflection on these words. To view the reflection, please click here . I also found a great homily on Ash Wednesday from February 25th, 2009 which can be found here

For me, the above words are hard to follow at times but they dont have to be that way all the time. I have many things that help me on my journey. Some of these things include: my faith as a Roman Catholic, the Sacraments, my love for our Lord and our Blessed Mother, my family, and friends. Another thing that has played a major part in how I turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel is prayer.

I would like each of you to know that you will be in my prayers when I pray the Rosary during this upcoming Lenten season. I will also remember you at Holy Mass as well.

May God Bless each and everyone of you.

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://ignitumtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Joe-Sales-e1321895023762.png[/author_image] [author_info]Joe Sales is an Educational Assistant with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. He has a college diploma through the St Clair College’s Developmental Services Worker program at Thames Campus. He is also a loving husband, blogger, and loves to serve God through Word and Action. Joe was born and raised in Chatham Ontario, Canada. He currently resides in Waterloo Ontario with his wife. During his spare time, Joe is a strong advocate for people who have disabilities. Joe also speaks to groups and conferences across the province of Ontario and other locations as well. Joe’s faith as a Roman Catholic is very important to him. Joe also has a passion for technology and new media. If you would like to check out Joe’s blog, it can be found .[/author_info] [/author]