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A dirty thought...  

  

  Matt Dunn

Well, not really. But hopefully I have your attention!  

 

As Christians, most of us are awaiting Ash Wednesday and Lent, with the hope of doing something different, in order to make us better people.

 

On Ash Wednesday, the priests and ministers will imprint our foreheads with a cross of ash. They will recite one of two phrases, "Remember, you are dust and to dust you will return," or "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel."

 

The ashes line, with variation, is also part of our burial rite. Some attribute it to Genesis while others refer to Job and Ecclesiastes. On the part of Genesis and Ecclesiastes, we are reminded that we come from the earth. For Job, the phrase is more repentant and humiliating because dust and ash are seen as undignified and unclean. Either way, we're reminded of our smallness, and the largeness of God's splendor and love.

 

I vacillate between wanting to enter Lent preferring one phrase over the other. I'm particularly mindful of wanting to be faithful to the Gospel, for it reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice born out of love. Jesus gives us the blueprint. Regardless of any wisdom from the Old Testament, Jesus' example and teaching leave us with a new commandment, to love one another.

 

As we think about our own Lenten practices, let us be mindful of the biggest challenge - not to give something up, but to love another. Let us pray, that as individuals and communities, we be mindful of the impact of our presence in the world. Let us also remember that this challenge doesn't end with Lent. In fact, as an Easter people, a baptized people, and as Marianists, we are called to bear Christ's presence to the world in our daily living.

 

Many weekend retreats (3 days) end with the phrase "live the fourth." It almost makes me think of the Triduum! May our Lenten retreat remind us that every day is the fourth!

 

Peace,

Matt Dunn

Editor 

  

Delegate Assembly July 18-21
 
liberty bell 
MLNNA's 2013 assembly will be held at the Malvern Retreat Center, just outside of Philadelphia, from July 18-21. We will begin with dinner and fellowship around 7 p.m. on the 18th and conclude with lunch around 1:00 p.m. on the 21st.
 
As a delegate assembly, we are asking communities to send two representatives. So please consider attending on behalf of your community. And communities, please consider discerning who you might send. There will also be space for individuals not affiliated with communities. 
 
We will publicize more information as it becomes available and registration materials are forthcoming. While details need to be finalized, registration (including meals and lodging) will be approximately $200 per person. Attendees (hopefully with support from their communities) are responsible for their registration and transportation.
 
Questions about this assembly and its format can be directed to Rudy Reyes
 
News from the International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities (IO-MLC) 

 

   MLC

Most of you have already received the inaugural issue of La Madeleine, the new newsletter of the IO-MLC. This newsletter, edited by lay Marianist, Rob Brodrick, will be emailed monthly. If you are not on the mailing list, be sure read the newsletter and sign up by contacting Rob! 

 

Ash Wednesday and Lent in Two Minutes

 

Follow the link for a nice synopsis of Ash Wednesday and Lent. If you like it, share it!

  

Ash Wednesday & Lent in Two Minutes
Ash Wednesday & Lent in Two Minutes

 

See the links below for additional Lenten resources. Again, feel free to share!

 

Praying Lent

 

Food and Energy Tips for Lent 

 

 

 

Thank you!
  
MLNNA is your organization! We appreciate all who made conrtibutions as part of our annual appeal, as well as those who regularly provide on-going support. Your generosity is truly appreciated and continues to help us provide resources, such as this newsletter, for your benefit! Have a wonderful 2013. We look forward to seeing you in July!