We need to choose to let our homes be a place
full of the holy – things that help raise our minds and hearts to God.
Our world is full of so many images that lure our minds and hearts elsewhere.
Here are some symbols that will carry the ongoing meaning we give them,
for us and for our families and loved ones.
A Crucifix
We probably all have a crucifix in our home.
If not, Lent might be a wonderful time to buy one and place it in a central
place. Even a child’s drawing of Jesus’ death for us can be a powerful,
stirring reminder of God’s love.
Water
A simple bowl of water, in a central place,
can be transformed into an ongoing reminder of our journey to the font
of baptism for the renewal of commitment and life in Christ. Perhaps
we can pray over it. “Lord, may this water remind us of our baptism
and be a blessing for our home, where our dying and rising in you is lived
each day. Bless us, as we sign ourselves with it each day.”
Sand
Perhaps a bowl of sand can help us remember
our journey. God led the people in their journey in the desert.
Jesus himself reenacted that journey to face his own temptations.
The desert can be a place of retreat, where there is a freedom from distractions.
It can be a good place to be led and to face our temptations.
A Candle
Imagine having a candle in a central place
in our home. Imaging praying over it together as we begin Lent. “Lord
thank you for the gift of your Light in the midst of all darkness.
Let this candle be a symbol of our faith in your presence among us.”
And imagine if we light this candle whenever we feel tempted away from
the Light of Jesus, when we are experiencing tensions in our home, whenever
we need special graces. Imagine how powerful experiencing the lighting
of the New Fire will be at the Easter Vigil.
Perhaps we have Baptismal candles that were
given to us or our childen at Baptism. It might be very meaningful
to bring them out and lay them near our central candle. We can remember
the words that were spoken when we received this candle: "Receive
the Light of Christ. ... Keep this flame burning brightly."
Perhaps we have the white baptismal garments
that have been used in our family for baptism. These could be taken
out. We can remember the words, "See in the white garments you wear,
the outward sign of your Christian dignity. Bring this garment unstained
to the joys of everlasting life." We can let it remind us of our
white garment, when we see the newly baptized come out of the font of baptism,
and be given their new white garments. It is a symbol of the priesthood
in Jesus that we all share.
A Bible
The Word is so important for us during Lent.
Perhaps the prominent presence of a Bible in our home can represent for
us our desire for God’s Word in our lives. Imagine the experience
that could be ours if - when we feel a new inspiration or a softening of
our heart, or just a sense of God’s love – we pick up that Bible and simply,
reverently kiss it.
Are there other symbols which make our particular
journey full of meaning and faith?
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