Lent

Another year, another Lent. Some people talk about "giving up" something for Lent--like candy or cussing. Other people talk about giving up something AND taking on something--like a daily devotional or a weekly fast. I've done both. There is no magic formula. Lent is simply a time to prepare for the crucifixion and resurrection of the one in whose footsteps we follow.

Part of my spiritual practice is to make a confession before Ash Wednesday, to my spiritual director who is also my confessor. This year he said that I need to do something to prepare for Holy Week and Easter, and that it would occur to me--the thing I need to do. As usual, I forgot all about it (I flunk the holiness test on a daily basis!). A couple of days later I was hiking in the coastal hills close to my house, stewing over some injustice in my life and struggling to even WANT to forgive the people involved. I mean, I didn't even want to forgive them!! (like I said, about the holiness thing....). That is when God touched my heart (which always makes it melt) and I realized that what I need to "take on" for Lent is the practice of forgiveness. Whenever it is really God "talking", God makes it happen even as God speaks. That is one way I know it is God speaking.

Of course, my heart hardens again later, and I am into a struggle again. But for the moment I could actually forgive the injustice I was stewing about. And that experience, and the committment to practice forgiveness for Lent, has freed me from some of my more onerous ruminations.

God is such an outstanding Lover!