For too many of us, Lent is a season of doom and gloom, a time to feel bad about all the ways we are not “measuring up” in our spiritual lives. But this view could not be further from the truth. Lent is a season of refreshment and love, of awakening and rebirth. In fact, the word “lent” comes from the Old English word, “lencten,” which means spring. Lent is intended to be a springtime for us in our spiritual lives where all can become new again.
We owe God everything! But let’s start by giving him one little thing. Take even a faltering step closer to Him – go to confession, join in the Stations of the Cross, call a family member of friend you are at odds with and try to reconcile. With just the tiniest bit of spiritual ‘spring cleaning’ we can be sure we will be swept up in our Father’s loving embrace and find ourselves feasting in His presence. That is what lent is all about.
