From Staff Reports
The onset of the Lenten season traditionally leads to faithful entering a mode of self-reflection.
In this spirit, Father Jason M. Parzynski, chaplain in Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, shared his own Lenten reflection – along with those of two students – with the entire campus community as well as The Monitor.
Notre Dame student Myles Kowalski shares Lenten reflection
Notre Dame student Megan Drumm shares Lenten reflection
“For many of us, Lent is a time to step back and evaluate the past year, not only emotionally and mentally, but also to evaluate where we are in our relationship with Christ Jesus,” wrote Father Parzynski. “Lent should not be simply reduced to that time of year when we make a personal sacrifice, by giving up chocolate or candy, to fulfill some Church obligation. … Lent truly ought to be a time of reflection and an opportunity to grow into the men and women God has created us to be; that He continually calls us to be!”
Father Parzynski’s reflection also included historical perspectives on symbolism surrounding Lent, including that of the color purple.
He also shared the reflections of two seniors who shared their own sentiments on Lent at a guided Eucharistic Holy Hour at the high school. One of the seniors, Myles Kowalski, focused on the meaning and value of prayer, while the other, Megan Drum, reflected on what being in a relationship with Christ is truly about.
“We all have the potential to unlock the beauty of prayer, that gift that God has given us,” Kowalski wrote, also referencing the resources available to NDHS students to help them explore prayer more deeply and personally.
“You see, prayer has these abilities to really center ourselves and to account for all of the good within our lives, even when we may doubt it,” he wrote. “It enables us to hear what is on our minds and then empowers us to realize the truth and magnitude of our problems.”
He also shared a personal experience with prayer and how it helped him navigate various obstacles he has faced.
In Drumm’s reflection, the senior shared the story of how her own relationship with God has evolved.
“I felt Him present in my life every single day, especially when I was struggling, he sent a comforting, helpful friend, or I would see his love in the beautiful sunset or hear his purpose in that song on the radio,” she wrote. “God is present in your life at all times, and for me, it was always easy to find Him.”
She also shared how the loss of her grandfather to cancer shook her relationship with God.
“My faith for a short period of time wavered, but this is the most beautiful part about our relationship with God,” she shared. “While we may move away from him, he never leaves us. For every one step we take away from the Lord, he takes two closer toward us.”
Want to be featured in The Monitor? Share Lenten reflections and news from your school or parish by emailing monitor-news@dioceseoftrenton.org.