First Sunday of Lent
As the seasons change, we notice the change in the air, and we prepare appropriately. We tend to protect our homes for a change in temperatures. We look for the warmer or cooler clothing depending on the time of year. We read the signs and act accordingly.
As the seasons change, we notice the change in the air, and we prepare appropriately. We tend to protect our homes for a change in temperatures. We look for the warmer or cooler clothing depending on the time of year. We read the signs and act accordingly.
Lent is the time that the Church has set aside for us to notice the changes that have taken place in our lives. But the changes that the Church is concerned about are not the physical but rather the spiritual.
We were taught to give up certain pleasures so that we could turn our hearts and minds back to the Lord. The giving up is still a sign of Lent. We refrain from eating meat on Fridays, we only have one full meal a day, and we give up our favorite comfort food. All these actions are good and necessary to turn our attention away from ourselves and our bodies, so we can concentrate on our spiritual life.
However, we are asked to die to sin, so we become partakers in the eternal life that Christ offers. The fasting and abstinence allows us to focus our attention on our spiritual needs. But we often think that the fasting and the abstinence is enough. It is not.
If our prayer life needs an overhaul, then we should take the time to start and develop a better prayer life. If we need to be more charitable to our family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances, then Lent is the time to begin committing ourselves to works of charity. If we need to forgive someone or ask forgiveness, then Lent is the time to forgive and be forgiven.
Fasting and abstinence are like the tools we use in practice for a particular sport. If we practice perfectly, our performance in the game will improve and lead to victory. If we practice poorly, we will not be ready for the game and will surely be defeated. Lent is like spring training for baseball. We make the sacrifices necessary to get in the best spiritual shape we can possibly be. But we still have a game ahead of us. Fasting and abstinence without a plan to improve our spiritual being is an inconsistent plan and one that will not benefit us in our journey through life.
“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Jesus instructs us to turn away from sin and its false pleasures and to center our heart, mind, and spirit on being fulfilled. We are fulfilled by being transformed into the very likeness of Jesus and preparing the kingdom for our entry and the entry of the entire human race. Let this Lent be a turning point when we turn back to God, not because we have to or are told, but because we love. Let this Lent be a lifetime journey that doesn’t end in six weeks but changes us for the long term.
May God continue to bless you
Deacon Phil