Joel 2:12-18
2 Cor 5:20 – 6:2
Mt 6:1-6.16-18
What can we expect from Lent? What does the Church expect from Lent? What does God expect from Lent? For, after all, we should really begin with Him, don’t you think? God gives us this holy season once more. Coming from Him, such a gift can only be for our good, for our salvation, our sanctification, our getting closer to Him. If we are faithful to fasting, almsgiving and praying, and to the conversion of the heart which penance expresses, we shall receive the blessing of a stronger relationship with God.
The third Preface of Lent describes four effects of our Lenten observance.
First, our self-denial gives thanks to God. All that we are comes from Him. We sometimes forget about this. We are proud of our achievements – albeit very limited. A time of conversion is given us to realise all that we receive from God and to give thanks for it. ‘All comes from you. Everything is your gift. By abstaining from what is not you, I put you back in the first place in my heart. I give you thanks for the past, present and future gifts of your love and your grace. I confess that you are a father – my Father; the Father.’
Then, the Preface continues, our self-denial humbles our sinful pride. Strong and fit, we seem to ourselves self-sufficient, in no need of anyone else’s help. Somehow weakened by restrictions in food and made more spiritually alert by prayer, we realise the hidden pride that accompanies much of what we do. The world of God does not know self-sufficiency. It is world of constant receiving and giving back. Think of Jesus and His Father, especially in St John’s gospel: “All that is mine is yours”. Shall we rely on ourselves – this is the direction pride invites us to take – or on our Father in heaven – this is the direction of humility?
The third point mentioned in the Preface is that our self-denial contributes to the feeding of the poor. Lent is a time of renewed awareness of the needs of others, especially the poor. It is therefore a time for sharing. There are so many ways to be attentive to my neighbours’ needs, to give help or a few minutes of attention or the bread they need. A renewed sensitivity to my brothers and sisters, especially those in need, is a fruit we may expect of Lent.
If we do so, we shall imitate God in his kindness. This is the fourth and last point made in the Preface. We shall be somehow good as God is good. We shall be a little more like Him. We shall become a little more children of our Father in heaven. He will be visible in us. He will give His good gifts through us also. There will be a fatherly bounty in all that we are and do.
The Church expects us to follow her guidance with trust and to resume with joy the spiritual weapons of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.
God expects us to become ever more His children: good as He is good, merciful as He is merciful, perfect as He is perfect.
As for us, we may expect and hope for from this Lent a greater freedom: the freedom of being good, caring, loving, in deep humility of heart, and with joy. May the Lord bring to perfection what He begins with us today!