Let Your Life Speak
September 26, 2023
Lent with Richard Rohr: The Demonization of the Threatening ‘Other’
Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent | Readings: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22; John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Fullness and Emptiness, Union and Zen
One of the core concepts that draws me to Christianity and inspires my spiritual walk today is its integration of both fullness and emptiness, a theme that is on full display during the Lenten season. We find fullness in the metaphor of baptism and emptiness in the proverbial wilderness.
As Vatican Council II stated, “the two elements which are especially characteristic of Lent” are the “recalling of baptism or the preparation for it, and penance.”
A Prayer from Pope Francis
O almighty and merciful God,
Lord of the universe and of history.
All that You have created is good
and your compassion for the mistakes of mankind
knows no limits.
We come to You today to ask You
to keep in peace the world and its people,
to keep far away from it the devastating wave of terrorism,
to restore friendship and instill in the hearts of your creatures
the gift of trust and of readiness to forgive.