Based on the Israelites’ 40-year sojourn in the desert and Jesus’ “forty days and forty nights” journeying through a similar desert, the word “journey” has become intimately connected to our experience of life in general, and Lent in particular.
We believe our life’s journey is going somewhere: instead of simply terminating with death (full stop, finis), our faith tells us that we will emerge into the life of heaven (where we will find a generous welcome and make the transition into God’s loving presence). We believe that the Lenten journey is going somewhere, too – Easter.
We are pilgrims in life and in Lent. Like Abraham, we are moving toward “the land of promise.” We try to deal with the problems and setbacks along the way – with the help of the Lord. And, in the end, if we are faithful, we will share the total joy of joining Christ in glory (whether heavenly glory or Easter glory).
As we prepare to celebrate the Second Sunday of Lent this weekend, let us not overlook the personal, inward journey to which the Lord invites us. On this level, the journey is not so much communal (and not at all geographical), but deeply moral. In First Timothy 4, 12, St. Paul tells us: “Set an example for other believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” May we keep this in mind as we dedicate ourselves more and more to prayer, fasting, and charity this season.
May God bless each step of our Lenten journey, drawing each of us and all of us into His tremendous compassion and mercy.
