# A time of grace: reflections on Lent and the power of prayer
*2017-03-20*

> Bill Young reflects on the spiritual renewal found at the South Florida men's conference and shares daily Lenten meditations focused on becoming more like Christ.

## Fellowship at the Men's Conference

I recently had the opportunity to attend the seventh annual men's conference for South Florida, and it was a phenomenal experience. It was a wonderful time of meeting brothers in Christ who all share the same desire to do good for our Lord, Jesus Christ. One of the most moving moments was the closing adoration, where a deacon blessed each of us individually. The monstrance was unique, featuring the body of Christ centered within the heart of Mary.

During the conference, I met many men facing various struggles, including health issues and those seeking to bring prodigal sons back to the Church. It reminded me of the importance of spiritual support and the strength we find in our shared faith.

## The Power of Family Prayer

In speaking with others about their health struggles, I shared my own personal experience with the power of prayer. Years ago, my wife and I faced heartbreaking complications during several pregnancies. We lost three or four babies before we turned to the Rosary. We committed to praying it together, and after a week of fervent prayer, my wife had a healthy pregnancy. Our son is now 20 years old. 

My strongest recommendation to any family facing a health crisis or any difficult situation is to pray the Rosary together. There is an amazing power when a husband and wife unite in prayer for their family.

## Becoming More Like Christ

Reflecting on the readings for March 18th, specifically Matthew 10:24-25, we are reminded that a disciple should be like his teacher. Becoming more like Christ happens whenever we hear the Word of God and receive the Eucharist. When we receive the Body of Christ, there is no room for indifference in our hearts. Because we are one body in Him, we cannot be indifferent to one another. The Church is not only a communion of faith but a communion of holy things, where we share everything with others and pray for those we can never reach on our own.

## Leaving the Water Jar Behind

For the third Sunday of Lent, we look at Mark 5:19 and the story of the Samaritan woman. After her encounter with Jesus, she left her water jar behind to tell the city about the 'living water' she had found. The water jar symbolizes the things in our lives that seem important but lose all value in the presence of God. We must ask ourselves: what is the 'interior water jar' that weighs me down and distracts me from God? By setting these things aside, we can rediscover the joy and purpose of our Christian life.

## Hope and Consecration

As we approach the midpoint of Lent, we focus on hope. Romans 5:5 tells us that the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. I have found that consecrating myself to Mary, specifically through the '33 Days to Morning Glory' program, has deeply helped me know Christ more. As my pastor, Father Jeff McCormick, often says, to know Christ, you must first know His mother.

*By letting go of the distractions that weigh us down and uniting in family prayer, we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit and grow closer to Christ.*