Lent Devotional | Ash Wednesday

His Invitation – The Face of Christ Calling us to Return

“Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” (Joel 2:13)

One of the joys of spending time in a city park for me is watching enthusiastic dogs happily bounding around trees and over terrain, determinedly chasing balls and practicing other obedience exercises with their owners. These energetic animals are in a constant state of alertness, observing the slightest finger movement or facial expression of their trainer, united with them in purity of purpose.

Recently, I have come to more fully appreciate the peace of mind and heart that comes with such clarity of focus in my own spiritual life. In 2024, I enrolled in a graduate program at a Catholic college and promptly found myself overrun by anxiety and stress. At times, I was consumed by concerns that I would not be able to achieve adequate grades or please my professors, certain that I couldn’t keep up with the academic accomplishments of other students or justify the expense of this educational opportunity. The fears of failure that enveloped me were often paralyzing.

Similar to the eager canines that so single-mindedly focus on their trainers, I found that the solution out of this anxiety-driven paralysis was to direct my attention back to the loving countenance of my “owner.” In Joel 2:13, the prophet calls on the Israelites to turn to God who is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” In the moments when dread-filled thoughts convinced me that my purpose was to impress or please those around me, it was a relief to follow Jesus’ example of slipping away to a quiet spot to pray, allowing God to simply gaze upon me with unequivocal love. Whose opinion could be more important to me than God’s? If my best academic efforts, such as they were, pleased God, did it ultimately matter what anyone else might think?

The season of Lent is a time where we are invited to consider in what ways our attention has strayed from God’s countenance and to follow Jesus’ example of seeking God’s face, rediscovering the peace that comes with putting God back at the center of every part of our lives.

Sister Michelle Langlois

Faithful Companions of Jesus
Educator & Chaplain
Calgary, AB

Prayer

Lord, life’s challenges can draw my attention away from you, causing me to be “worried and distracted by many things” (Lk 10:41). During these days of Lent, help me to set aside distractions so that I can enthusiastically and energetically seek the beauty of your face and the joy of your companionship.

Reflection

Think over your day and consider a moment when you felt anxious. Were you eventually able to connect with God’s love and mercy? If not, imagine what it might have been like to imitate Jesus, turning to God the Father in faith and trust during that anxious moment.