We need Lent to combat distractions

March 5, 2006 -- First Sunday of Lent

By Bishop Robert Morneau

	Bishop Robert Morneau
	Questions for reflection: 1. What does the rainbow symbolize for you? 2. Why is it difficult to appropriate the grace of God's love? 3. What does the prayer to Mary say to you?

Pope Benedict XVI's first Encyclical letter, signed December 25, 2005, is entitled "Deus Caritas Est" - "God is Love." Benedict writes: "In a world where the name of God is sometimes associated with vengeance or even a duty of hatred and violence, this message is both timely and significant. For this reason, I wish in my first Encyclical to speak of the love God lavishes upon us and which we in turn must share with others" (#1).

L e n t
• Everyday People, Everyday Faith articles
• Other Lent articles

This statement captures the heart of this rich season of Lent. As we prepare to celebrate the Easter mysteries, we are reminded, time and time again, that God's love is at the core of our existence. Pope Benedict's letter is a testament to this. And all the mention of temptations and trials during this season are all about our refusal, conscious or unconscious, to accept the primary message of the good news: God loves us lavishly.

In the first reading, God informs Noah and sons that they are in a covenant together, a relationship of deep and abiding mutuality. There are privileges on both sides; there are duties and obligations on both sides. God promises fidelity; creatures are to promise loyalty and allegiance to the ways of God. And then we are given a touching, beautiful symbol: a bow in the clouds as a reminder of God's constant, eternal love. It is the rainbow, with its arc and colors that calls to mind God's promise of gracious presence.

We need Lent (and rainbows) because we are a forgetful people. Distracted by our culture and confused about our own identity, we need to hear the story again and again. God loves us. God loves us from all eternity and there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. Pope Benedict XVI's Encyclical is like a rainbow, reminding us of God's extravagant love.

The Gospel calls us to reform our lives. Indeed, we are to turn from sin and darkness toward God's grace and light. Yet, repentance does not earn salvation. Grace is a free gift; we do not save ourselves. Repentance serves the purpose of opening our minds and hearts to the inflow of God's life and light. The good news of the Gospel is that God's love is constant and eternal. And though, like Jesus, we are tempted in the desert experiences of life, we can be assured that our rainbow God is faithful.

Pope Benedict ends his Encyclical letter with a prayer to Mary: "Holy Mary, Mother of God, you have given the world its true light, Jesus, your Son - the Son of God. You abandoned yourself completely to God's call and thus became a wellspring of the goodness which flows forth from Him. Show us Jesus. Lead us to Him. Teach us to know and love Him, so that we too can become capable of true love and be fountains of living water in the midst of a thirsting world" (#42).

Mary is the model of the Church. She is the model of our Lenten season in that she is a listener and a lover. We too are to listen to the word of God; we too are to receive God's love and pass it on. Mary is a Lenten rainbow reminding us that discipleship is possible.

(Bp. Morneau is the auxiliary bishop of the Green Bay Diocese and pastor of Resurrection Parish in Allouez.)