Dear Friends, the journey of Lent begins as we are invited to walk with Jesus once more on His journey toward Jerusalem to his cross, death and resurrection. As a young Christian Brother novice, I was  taken into a lent of prayer, fasting, penance and giving. In the midst of this rather vigorous process for an 18 year old, I was introduced to the great Benedictine Abbott and spiritual writer, Dom Columba Marmion, OSB. My greatest gift that Lent as young novice was discovering Dom Marmion.  Before I met Dom Marmion I saw Lent as one more way that I was called to be perfect by making myself miserable with fasting, prayers and penances. This was not the message of the Church but it was the message I heard as an 18 year old who wanted to do everything right.

Dom Marmion writes of a whole other approach to Lent and the mysteries of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. In essence this joyful man of God sees the events of the life of Jesus as holy mysteries we repeat each year to enter into more fully. Jesus for Dom Marmion is an inviting God seeking to bring you and me into the home of the Father. The mysteries of the liturgy are the door of God that Jesus bids us to enter. Grace and hope are flowing over in all the events of the life of Jesus. As a good Benedictine, Dom Marmion sees the God of Hospitality welcoming and embracing. I invite you to go to your computer and simply type the name Dom Columba Marmion. Springing up first is an extended sharing about his spiritual writings with a special focus on the mysteries of Jesus. I hope you will enjoy him as I have.

Reflecting on Dom Marmion over 40 years from when I first discovered him, I realize that he still invites me to a life giving journey with Jesus towards Jerusalem. A hope through all his writings is that the journey of Jesus will enrich my life beyond my wildest dreams. For Dom Marmion, as well as you and I, the journey of the cross leads to the ancient truth: CHRIST IS RISEN, CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED. Dom Marmion now with God knows as he is known. May you and I also make this Lent a journey of hope and intimacy into our best selves as we care for our selves, each other and world around us.

Friends please send us any requests for prayers and other reflections during this graced time. I will be writing weekly and offering you reflections each of the graced days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.

All love and blessings from your friends at Holy Trinity Monastery,

 

Brother Fred Buerman Ob.OSB

Mrs. Mary McCarthy Ob.OSB

Father Henri Capdeville OSB

and the Community of Hand of Help at Holy Trinity Monastery