Sr. Monika Ellis’s art (stplacid.org/sr-monikas-religious-art) on this month’s cover is a bit like a frame in a kaleidoscope. Suddenly, a familiar form materializes in center view as the rest of the shapes continue to swirl around in the periphery. It appears only for a moment, but the mind retains it a bit longer, and we hold out hope for another glimpse.
Or we might imagine the Cross with Red Gems floating among the vegetation in a pond that reflects light from above. The cross moves in and out from under the leaves and swirling submerged vegetation. Ever so briefly, it comes into full view before being obscured again. We look for it eagerly, hoping to see it once more.
As we enter Lent, we look for opportunities to see and experience the beauty of the cross. That instrument of torture and death is simultaneously the symbol of Christ’s love poured out for us to gain victory over mortality and secure everlast- ing life for all humankind. During Lent, the Church reminds us of our need for repentance and renewal as we recall Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. So, we implement a regimen of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We are more conscientious about practicing small acts of benevolence, more persistent in pursuing justice for the marginalized, and more diligent about keeping up our conversation with God. As we live into our practices, may we experience them as fleeting glimpses of the power of the cross in our hearts. And let us remember Jesus’ admonition: Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them . . . And your Father who sees in secret will repay you (cf. Matt 6:1, 4).
