Awakened by Grace: Lent as a Call to Deeper Awareness A group of retreatants, after completing their retreat and visiting a shrine, . . . . . . were asked by a priest whether they had become holier or could now avoid sin entirely. They honestly responded that they couldn’t make such promises but shared that the retreat had made them more aware—of themselves, their surroundings, and their relationship with God. The Homily emphasizes that Lent is a time for spiritual awakening, a call to grow closer to God and to examine our inner lives and the world around us. Lent reminds us that everything we have is a gift, lent to us by God, and our responsibility is to use these gifts—including life itself—to glorify Him. The Gospel parable of the landowner and the tenants is used to illustrate God’s love and generosity, and the importance of responding to this love with faithfulness and gratitude. In essence, Lent challenges us to recognize God’s grace, examine our response to it, and strive to live more intentionally and gratefully. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: Awakened by Grace: Lent as a Call to Deeper Awareness ----------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 First Reading Genesis 37: 3-4, 12-13, 17-28