Redemption 

   “'Do I derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked?,’ asks the Lord God.  ‘Would I not rather rejoice to see them turn away from their wickedness and live?’” (Ezekiel 18: 23 

   The Lord, our God, desires repentance and sorrow for our sins.  He does not desire our eternal death, but eternal life.  Lent is a perfect time to consider all the implications of such a love as this.  No matter the past, no matter the sins we have committed, God desires that we turn to Him and repent and, therefore, gain eternal life.

   “Rend your hearts and not your garments, and turn back to the Lord, your God.” (Joel 2: 13).  Why do we concern ourselves with minor sacrifices such as chocolate, or other such things during Lent when it is the sins of our heart that we should be sacrificing?  That piece of candy won’t condemn you to hell, but the unrepentant hatred of your brother will.  We need to look inward, rather than outward when deciding what is best to sacrifice during this time of sorrow and repentance.

   “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow.  Though  they are as red as crimson, they shall become as white as wool.” (Isaiah 1: 18).  Lent is a time to look to the Father, seeking the forgiveness offered through the life, death, and resurrection of the Son, Jesus Christ.  A time to cleanse our souls through confession and repentance for our sins.  In this way, we prepare ourselves to celebrate the glorious gifts of Easter.