Lent in Brazil: Finding the Spirit through Dogmatic Tradition

It is no coincidence that I am here. On the beach, that I may not but ponder your greatness oh God, but taste it, see it, smell it, feel it in the vast waters you created; in each grain of sand, numberless but to you. It is no coincidence that I come here now-during your great Lent, where we remember your season of trials, tribulations and suffering that have brought us the eternal resurrection. It is no coincidence the timing of our great fast oh Lord. You have made is so that we begin during the winter-all things dead, dormant and dark. Here we start always and as the season develops, so do we.

We hold fast to the disciplines you have taught us. Fasting, prayer, meditation as our nourishment, knowing that this transformation is completed only when we put our faith in you-just as we know the winter passes and spring brings new life and light through your resurrection.

Thank you for always giving us tangible analogies that we may understand in the simplicity of our being, i know i spend this time alone, in transformation to recognize I am never alone, but always with you and in you. I know that the spring brings resurrection-I know not what else.

Give me the peace to accept this God and the discipline to prepare for it. My transformation continues, only you know when it is complete. This is the ultimate truth that comforts my soul. Praise your name Oh God.