Lent is a humble descent both inwards and towards others. It is about realizing that salvation is not an ascent to glory, but a descent in love. Pope Francis’ homily on Ash Wednesday 

 In a recent USCBB video reflection, one of my favorite speakers, Marc Delmonico, pointed out that the word “lent” is derived from the word “lengthen,” referring to a “lengthening of days,” which we, in the northern hemisphere, associate with “spring.” He suggested that we can make this Lent not necessarily a dour time of repentance, but rather a “springtime for our souls.” And who isn’t ready for a little spring at this time of year? As crocuses and daffodils begin to pop their heads through the damp, dark soil, we can use this Lenten time to prepare the soil of our hearts to bring forth new life – a metanoia - a turning back to God. 

How can we do that? As Tom suggested last week, prayer is one way, but so is fasting. No, not short term sacrifices like giving up our favorite pleasure, but by asking ourselves what we can do that is life-giving to others? In what way am I being called to a fast that leads to charity; a sacrifice of love? Through Isaiah, God tells us that the fast He wishes is to: 

-        release those bound unjustly 

-        set free the oppressed 

-        share your bread with the hungry 

-        shelter the lost and homeless 

-        clothe the naked and do not turn your back on your own (see Isaiah 58: 6-7) 

And what happens when we do that? 

“Thus says the Lord: If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation, malicious speech, if you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted – Then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom shall become like midday; then the Lord will guide you always and give you plenty, even in a parched land…. He will renew your strength and you will be like a watered garden, like a spring, whose water never fails. Isaiah 58: 9b, 10-11. 

That sounds like spring to me! We’re about ready to start on week 3 of Lent, but it’s not too late to consider how you might bring light and new life to others while washing away your own sin and becoming like a watered garden. What new practice, new attitude, new offering is seeking to burst into life within us? So dig deep, deep into the soil of your heart and soul to find the love that abides there, and then, reach out to share it with someone in need. May our self-giving love, through acts of charity and justice, enlighten our world. Our salvation depends on it. 

De Colores, 

Susan Dougherty