The Spirit of Lent

   In a few weeks we will celebrate Easter.  This is an appropriate time to put aside earthly matters and pay more attention to the spiritual.  A time to realize that we will never be at home in this world.  Our home is in heaven if we choose to accept it.

   The Church identifies this period as Lent, forty days of fasting, sacrifice and repentance for our sins.  Forty days to contemplate the gift of salvation given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ.  Forty days to remember the suffering He endured for our salvation.  He was rejected by those He came to save; betrayed by one of His chosen apostles and abandoned by the others.  Finally, He was brutally beaten, forced to carry His cross through the streets of Jerusalem and crucified.  His death paid the price for our sins.

   A time to sacrifice and fast; a time to remember that we are dust and unto dust we will return.  A time also of thanksgiving that God loved us so much that He chose to become man and suffer in our place in order to open the doors to heaven.

   Let’s take the time over the next few weeks to look deeply within ourselves.  Seek God in prayer and contemplation; look to Him for guidance and strength.  Make the effort to truly live the spirit of Lent; a spirit of sorrow and repentance for our sins; a spirit of thanksgiving for all Jesus sacrificed for us; a determination to amend our lives fighting to avoid sin wherever possible; and a spirit of the joy we will celebrate on Easter Sunday.

Lord, help us to seek You in all things.

Help us to focus on the suffering of Christ for us.

To thank Him for His many sacrifices for us.

Lead us to follow His example in our own life.

Amen