“Wings of prayer” on our Lenten journey

Fasting, prayer and almsgiving: these are the practices that mark our Lenten journey as we “accompany Jesus on the road to Jerusalem” the “place of his passion death and resurrection”. Lent reminds us that “Christian life is a “road” to be travelled, it consists not so much of a law to be observed, but in meeting, welcoming and following Christ”. To reach him “in the light and joy of the resurrection, the victory of life, love and good, then we too have to take up the cross of everyday life”.

In his Wednesday audience, Pope Benedict spoke to the pilgrims who packed the Paul VI hall about why we fast, pray and give alms during the 40 days of Lent.

He said “fasting means abstinence from food , but it also includes other forms of privation for a more sober life”. Nonetheless not even this is “the full reality of fasting; it is merely the external sign of an interior reality; of our commitment, with the full help of God, to abstain from evil and live the Gospel. Those who do not nourish themselves with the Word of God, are not really fasting.

The Pope also encouraged Christians to find more time for prayer. “The Fathers of the Church teach that these three pious exercises are closely related: indeed, Saint Augustine calls fasting and almsgiving the “wings of prayer”, since they prepare our hearts to take flight and seek the things of heaven, where Christ has prepared a place for us”.

In Italian he added, “The Church knows that, because of our weakness, it is often difficult to be silent before God and be fully aware of our condition as creatures who depend on Him, as sinners who are in need of His love. This is why Lent invites us to a more faithful and intense prayer”.

The Holy Father concluded. “as this Lent begins, let us accept Christ’s invitation to follow him more closely, renew our commitment to conversion and prayer, and look forward to celebrating the Resurrection in joy and newness of life”.