Lent seems to be such a misunderstood season in the Church calendar. I know many people dread the coming of Lent. Its fasts & penance fill some with a sense of drudgery. But for me, I love Lent. Yes its true. I actually look forward to the beginning of Lent. Why? To me its the time that I try to get rid of some of the things that are holding me back in my relationship with God.
While penance & fasting can serve to draw us closer to God during Lent, they are only a means to an end. Lent is about returning to God. Its a time set aside by the Church for us to be more free to focus on the One who is our first & greatest love. Its a special time in which our relationship with God can be restored. The readings of the Liturgy during Lent are a reminder & a call to come back to God. I really look forward to Ash Wednesday when we read from the Book of Joel. I love hearing the words: "Come back to me with all your heart." Its like God says to us: "I've missed you, where have you been hiding." The prophet Joel also proclaims: "Let your hearts be broken not your garments torn, turn to the Lord your God again." He wants our hearts to be broken open so that He can fill them with His love. Our Lenten penances should serve to break open our hearts to God. So if your Lenten observance is filling you with thoughts of drudgery & dread then cut it out. Instead pray & ask God to help you give up one of the things that is dividing you from Him. Perhaps he's not asking you to give up anything. Perhaps he wants you to take up doing something this Lent. Open your hearts & let yourself be surprised by God this Lent.
Until our next blog, let the grace flow, Sarah.
