It is by entering into stillness, silence and solitude that we are able to peel back all the distractions that impact on our lives and listen to the whisperings of God in our hearts.

• When I go within, what do I notice?
• What are the actions, dispositions, attitudes that reflect living the fullness of life?
• Where am I listening and responding to the false spirit that leads to a lesser life for me and others?

Where does this honest reflection take me? If it is of the true spirit, then I will be called to serve the community in compassionate action.

• How am I continuing to respond to what God desires for me?
• How is my being in the world bringing a richness and fullness of life to those around me?

Lent should be a time of joy. The practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving encourage us to both reflect and act as we focus on living in relationship. Living the Christian life is one of joy, as we strengthen our relationship with God, others and our world.

As Pope Francis reminds us, Christians have good reason to be joyful and should let it shine in their faces rather than sport sad, pessimistic looks. Joy is something that does not come from short term economic reasons, from momentary reasons, it is something deeper, it is a gift from God that fills us from within and cannot be held at heel, it must be let go.

• Where do I experience this joy and share it with others?