“Lent is the favorable season for renewing our encounter with Christ, living in his word, in the sacraments and in our neighbor. The Lord, who overcame the deceptions of the Tempter during the forty days in the desert, shows us the path we must take. May the Holy Spirit lead us on a true journey of conversion, so that we can rediscover the gift of God’s word, be purified of the sin that blinds us, and serve Christ present in our brothers and sisters in need.” Pope Francis

What are the goals of our Lenten journey? Pope Francis says: "Rediscover the gift of God's word, be purified of the sin that blinds us, and serve Christ present in our brothers and sisters in need." Let's look at the first one: rediscovering the gift of God's word. How important, in reality, is the Word of God to us? How often do we read, reflect and act on it? God has given us his Word to govern us on our life's journey. It gives us our goal and the means to get there. Who would begin a long journey to a specific destination without a road map? The Scriptures are our road map. The Spirit is the guide with us, enabling us to discern the directions and how to apply them. Daily reading and reflecting on the Word of God should be part of our Lenten practices.