This Ash Wednesday I have been drawn to a well known prayer of Thomas Merton –
My Lord, God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think that I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But, I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart for that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always,
though I may seem to be lost in the shadow of death
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
It strikes that perhaps our Lenten journey should begin with the honesty, humility and trust that Merton exhibits.
Blessings on your Lenten journey.
Charles
{ubi caritas}