Lenten Message from Fr Quang, Nguyen, SCJ
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Dear Friends in Christ,
Student life at the university is not always smooth and level. The journey of intellectual pursuit can be overwhelming. Research papers, exams, quizzes, and homework can throw us off track. Maneuvering in a new environment can be tiring. Also what about my spiritual well-being, my relationship with God, that I have put in the backburner for so long? Sometimes it seems that everything is going wrong, and we are desperately finding a way not to drown. What can I do?
Lent is a time for us to answer the question. It “is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6:2). It is a time given to us to reflect on where our life has been and where would we like to go. Like Jesus, we might be led in many directions during Lent. We sometimes feel frustrated, out of sorts, and even annoyed.
Lent reminds us that following Jesus will not always an easy journey. It will contain moments of great passion leading to one’s discovery and growth. In the end, the Resurrection would make it alright. It is a time to build a stronger relationship with God whose love and mercy have no bounds.
As we are well-aware, we are here on this earth, at this university, and this time for a reason. Our great and merciful God wants us to be here. We are given gifts, talents, and abilities to use and to share. In doing so, we are telling a story about God in a way that has never been told before. Please tell your story and be the people that God wants you to be.
May God bless each day of this coming Lenten Season for you and may He guide you in making a life changing decision about your future. Please be assured of our prayers and support – the staff and myself at the Newman Center. We also ask you to remember us in your prayers in this wonderful season of Lent.
Quang A. Nguyen, SCJ