Lent

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Have you ever wished things were different?

Today is Ash Wednesday. In the Christian church calendar, this represents the beginning of the Lenten season. It is about the 40 days before the events of Jesus' death and resurrection.

These 40 days (a symbolic period in the biblical narrative) are traditionally dedicated to reflection and repentance.

 

But repentance confronts us.

 

Ruth Haley Barton wrote that "Lent is a spiritual season for seeing, naming, and confessing our own darkness until eventually it gives way to God's marvelous light."


Only by recognizing that there is that darkness in us can we reach the place of repentance.

 


Repentance has to do with longing for something to be different, with lamenting the current reality, but also the commitment to do what is within reach for that change to take place.

Photo by RioC. Wirawan (avalonchurch.net)

 

The distinctive thing about repentance in the Christian tradition is that the desired change, the lament for the present reality, and finally the change made is always in function of Christ. It is not merely a question of changing or improving, but of turning to God, of accepting Jesus' invitation to come to him, of recognizing that he is the only way, and about being more like him. So that his kingdom may become more and more a reality experienced by all.

 

So for the Christian, perhaps it is easier to ask: In what areas of my life do I recognize that I am not like Jesus? How could I be more like Jesus? How could my life better reflect that the kingdom of heaven has drawn near?

 

But we must also recognize that repentance is not a strictly religious concept.


If you do not consider yourself a Christian or religious (and even if you do not care to be), you could consider areas in your life where you identify that you want to change, that you long for something better (for yourself and for others). Those areas where you recognize darkness and want the light to shine.

 

Let's put it this way, repentance does not discriminate. Don't underestimate what can happen in your life when you open the door to that kind of reflection and self-examination.

 

See you on the other side.

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