The Abandonment Prayer

One of our Abbots, Father LeBlanc, posted this prayer of Charles De Foucauld on Facebook, and I enjoyed it so much that I copied it for here. It is called the Abandonment Prayer, and seems perfectly suited to the Season of Lent.

Father,
I abandon myself
into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do,
I thank you.

I am ready for all,
I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me
and in all your creatures.

I wish no more than this, o Lord.
Into your hands
I commend my soul;
I offer it to you,
with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord,
and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself
into your hands,
without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.

Lenten Words of Wisdom

I have always been struck by the wisdom of the Early Church Fathers; their writings display a depth of spirituality and wisdom that is not often seen in our world today. The following words of St. John of Chrysostom, on true Lenten piety, serve as a perfect example of what the Christian message should look like:

"Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works.
If you see a poor man, take pity on him.
If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him.

Do not let only your mouth fast,
but also the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands
and all the members of our bodies.

Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice.
Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin.
Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is
sinful.

Let the ear fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip.
Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism.

For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and
devour our brothers?

May He who came to the world to save sinners, strengthen us to
complete the fast with humility! Have mercy on us and save us.

Amen.”

A Lenten Reflection

I came across this Lenten reflection on the Internet (author unknown) and hope that it proves a blessing to you, as we prepare for the Season of Lent:

Give up complaining—focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism—become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments—think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry—trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement—be full of hope.
Give up bitterness—turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred—return good for evil.
Give up negativism—be positive.
Give up anger—be more patient.
Give up pettiness—become mature.
Give up gloom—enjoy the beauty that is all around you.
Give up jealousy—pray for trust.
Give up gossiping—control your tongue.
Give up sin—turn to virtue.
Give up giving up—hang in there!