This was Family Violence Prevention week on PEI and there were many events occurring all over the province from Tignish to Souris. In Charlottetown on Wednesday there was a Silent Walk from Noon – 1 p.m. in memory of the women who have died from family violence on PEI and in solidarity with those who are still suffering the effects of this violence. I was able to go to the gathering at the Coles Building and was particularly touched by the fact that, after the usual remarks, a prayer was offered by a young woman of the Bahai faith and then the crowd moved forward in silence. I was so happy to have been part of that much. The walk ended with a reception at City Hall. 

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Photo: Marie-Claire Dugas

INTRODUCTION

Leader:  During Lent, we strive to free ourselves from all kinds of clutter---material and spiritual---in order to focus on God and turn back to God with our whole hearts.  If this "turning back" is genuine, it will be a reorientation, a transformation. God extends this invitation of authentic transformation to each of us to embrace as individuals and as a community.  May we be open to God's invitation during this season of Lent and a renewed desire to live God's own outward-looking, self-emptying, laying-down-one's-life kind of love. (Amy Ekeh)

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A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with Eleanor, my Spiritual Director, about Lent.  In one simple sentence, she helped me change my not-very-positive thinking and feelings about Lent into something new. Eleanor said, “Lent is really about transformation.”  It was a “bing” moment for me!  I’m sure I’ve heard this many times before in my life; but a few weeks ago, I heard it in a new way.  Funny how the Spirit works.  God knows my heart and where I am in my life at this moment.  I needed to hear the word transformation equated with Lent.  And so, it is with this word and this lens that I offer this simple reflection on this Sunday’s Gospel…

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