“Dare” is the buzzword in the Church to mobilize the energies buried by the daily routine life. The slogan “Let’s dare fraternity” renewed the diaconal dimension of the Church of France a few years ago.

“Dare the Mission” should have been the same success this year during the missionary week if the actors of the universal Church were more convinced that the Mission is still relevant.

Lent that opens today launches a rallying cry to accompany us towards Easter: “Dare to trust”

To “dare” is to appeal to the boldness that depends only on us. In the desert Jesus confronts the Evil with the boldness to contradict him on all his proposals yet fantastic. Satan offers him wealth, power, and glory. Jesus does not resist only these temptations but he fights them by convictions that the will of his Father inspires him and on which he relies willingly to win the game.

To “dare” is to take risks. Abraham who will be given to us as an example on the second Sunday of Lent takes the risk of losing his son by trusting God. God who gave him a son in his old age wants to take him back in a strange way. Despite the unexpected reactions of God the old patriarch dares to trust him completely.

To “dare” is to endure contradictions. Moses, whom we meet on the road of Lent on the third Sunday, will have much to do with his people at the “stiff neck” to associate him with the project of God who wishes to see him reach the Promised Land.

To “dare” is to go towards the unknown horizons with all that is unforeseen. Thousands of wandering families experience it every day. Driven by the misery of countries of extreme poverty, they take the roads of the exodus through the sea and the desert for a better being, but the indifference, hatred and violence slow down their progress when they do not take them into the abysses of death.

Many catechumens will boldly and proudly respond to the decisive call of the Church at this time of Lent. They will dare to venture after Him who leads them from the plain of their existence to the mountain of transfiguration. It’s a long and risky journey and they do not know what tomorrow will be made of for them in their church that may be cherished or perhaps persecuted. Surely, they dare the risk of advancing knowing “that He is with them until the end of time”.

To “dare” is to have the courage that Jesus had in Gethsemane. In the darkness of this garden he is in good company with his friends and with his Father but still he seems alone. The courage acquired on the banks of the Jordan seems to vanish at the approach of the night of abandonment. While everything was asleep, he boldly dares to stand up and exclaim “let’s go!” He goes with assurance in front of the tragedy that was preparing.

I dare to invite you to take the road towards Easter with the risk that Abraham took in his old age when everything seemed finished for him, with the determination of Moses who was not spared by his people and with the energy of Him who dared to face the torment of the cross by putting his spirit in the hands of the Father.

Have a safe journey towards Easter! 

 

Mgr. Michel Cartatéguy.   

Conseiller Provincial, Lyon.