St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Catholic Parish

  • Home
  • Prayer Request
  • Give
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Get Involved
  • New Here
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Youth
Gloria Nolan

Lent – A Time for Transformation

February 14, 2018 by Gloria Nolan

From the beginning of time, human beings in every culture have found a connection to nature and a higher power greater than themselves.  I believe people yearn deeply within to unite with the Creator, God.  Nature, in all of its forms, offers this awesome opportunity to find inspiration and meaning in our relationships in the natural world and with the Almighty.

Even the simplest of creatures can inspire our sense of connectedness with God.  I find such inspiration in dragonflies which remind me of the Holy Spirit.  This lovely, iridescent insect has been recognized for thousands of years, depicted often in paintings, on pottery or re-created in jewelry.  In Japan, the dragonfly symbolizes courage, strength and happiness.  In China, dragonflies bring good luck, and are associated with prosperity and harmony.  Native Americans believe dragonflies are symbols for happiness, speed and purity.  For others, especially due to the quality of its changing color, the dragonfly symbolizes transformation and deep awareness of self-realization.

As we enter into this season of Lent, we too are called to transformation.  Prayer, fasting and generosity are meant to help us focus on the real purpose of Lent, which is conversion.  These practices shouldn’t be reduced to outward deeds and superficial intentions.

Pope Francis reminds us of what true conversion is.  He instructs us, “We are invited to enter into a deeper relationship with Christ.  To give up our own will and seek His.  To open our eyes, our ears and our hearts to what Jesus is asking us to do.  We are summoned to a deeper level of prayer which requires less talking and more listening, for it is in the silence of our hearts that God will speak to us.  We are called to fasting which requires a sober lifestyle; a way of life that does not waste, nor throws away.  We are challenged to generosity, to give something to someone without expecting anything in return which leads to the freedom from the obsession of possessing.”

The dragonfly will be a reminder for me this Lent of how I wish to be transformed.  Its form reminds me of a cross which is a fitting symbol of the sacrifice Jesus made for us all.  And hopefully, the work I put into my own Lenten transformation will not be shallow or just scraping the surface, but one that brings about a real and lasting conversion of heart…the heart of a disciple.

Travel well on your own Lenten journey.

Filed Under: Blog

From Facebook

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

6 hours ago

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

Meet others where they are at - - not always easy!
Click below link & go to page 3 to read Sr. Mary Peters' reflection.

Congratulations to our Confirmation students who were confirmed April 10!

Thank you for your generosity. Pages 4 & 5.

Click the link for our latest bulletin of info. https://seasgb.org/wp-content/uploads/…
... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

seasgb.org

seasgb.org

View on Facebook
·Share

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email

  • Likes: 3
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

New to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton?

Whatever stage of life’s journey you find yourself in, we invite you to join us.

Learn More

Livestreaming Mass

 

Mass Times

WEEKEND MASSES
Saturdays: 4:15 p.m.
Sundays: 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION ONLY
Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Saturdays from 3:00 to 3:40 p.m. (face-to-face in order to comply with social-distancing recommendations).

About us

Vision Our Patron Saint Sacraments Adoration Contact Us

Get Involved

Buildings & Grounds Dignity of Life Faith-Formation Committee Faith in Action Finance Council Human Resources Knights of Columbus Ministries Multi-Media Parish Life Committee Pastoral Council Stewardship Women's Guild Worship

New Here

Seeking Holiness Connect with Our Community

Youth and Education

Religious Education Youth Ministry Learning Institutions
ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON PARISH

2771 Oakwood Drive, Green Bay WI 54304

1-920-499-1546 ~ email: seas@seasgb.org

  • Facebook
  • Youtube
MENU
  • About Us
    • Vision
    • Adoration
    • Our Patron Saint
    • Office Hours
  • New Here
  • Get Involved
  • Youth and Education
  • Give
  • Online Prayer Request
  • Blog
  • Contact Us