"Trust in God, and he will help you; make your ways straight and hope in him. You that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy, do not stray lest you fall. You that fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will not be lost. You that fear the Lord, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy." (Sirach 2:6-11)

As we are about to begin our annual Lenten journey, our focus needs to be the Lord. To fear the Lord is not to be understood as human fear or dread, but as being in awe of God for all that he is. In awe we recognize that God who needs nothing, but is all in all, created us so that we may be truly happy. Our fulfillment as a person is to be with God eternally, sharing in his glory. All that we do this Lent should be directed to that end. How will this impact my eternal oneness with God? Will my efforts, with God's grace, drawer me closer to God? What will be good and pleasing to God?