Lent is a season of contemplation, prayer and reflection – culminating in hope and joy, for the gates of heaven have finally opened. We know that our crucified Lord, truly risen, has saved man from sin and eternal damnation. The road to heaven has been laid bare.
But before we are able to immerse ourselves into a “state of cheerfulness”, we have to walk through the “dark night” in union with Jesus, who laid down his life for us.
In order to prepare ourselves for God’s gift of redemption, it is not only beneficial but necessary to accompany this period, this Lenten season, with acts of charity, penance and fasting. But more important than any self-imposed restriction (for example in curbing one’s appetite) is our willingness to open spiritually for a most mysterious encounter with Jesus – which is to wholeheartedly meditate on His passion, all the way from the Last Supper to His road to Calvary. On this road Christ suffered heavy pain, torment and wounds afflicted by hatred, human envy and ignorance.
Right before His dying moment, our Lord Jesus spoke one of the most consequential sentences of his ministry: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
Christ is faithful to the very end; He wants to save us to the very end. Not only are your transgressions forgiven by his decision to embrace the cross, but also those of all our brothers and sisters that came before us, and those still waiting to be born into this world of trials and tribulations.
Thus, Lent is the perfect time to examine our conscience, heart and inner state of disposition. We can begin by asking ourselves, what message does Jesus have for us today? Interestingly, the message is the same as it was more than 2000 years ago: let divine mercy reshape us! Let God’s infinite love and providence touch our being, so that we may spread faithfully the gospel of truth.
Remember, we are nothing, unless we belong to God. And we have nothing, unless we rest in Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior and Redeemer.
FAITHBOUND 