Today we begin the Liturgical Season of Lent, a period of preparation for Easter. The readings the Church gives us today are the same every year, but somehow, they are always fresh with new meaning. The prophet Joel calls a whole nation to fast and pray for forgiveness. He calls them to an assembly –old and young, ministers and laity—to collectively acknowledge sin. As a nation, we need to do the same. We have lost our way. We are killing the “other”—blacks, Jews, Asians—because they are not like us. We surround ourselves with only the news we want to hear, tolerate those who continue to lie to the country about the attempt to overthrow our democracy last January, burn the books that prickle our consciences, refuse to wear masks or get vaccinated to protect our neighbors. We refuse to protect our children from this pandemic, but “protect” them from uncomfortable history. We claim to be a “Christian” country, but would Christ really recognize this brand of Christianity? Did Christ’s message of “Love one another, as I have loved you,” only extend to those who look and think like us? As a nation, we need to rend our hearts, and take a good look inside. If we have the courage to see ourselves as we truly are, then this season of Lent is a good time to begin the reorientation. For myself, I am fasting from social media that steers me toward hate. I am fasting from idleness so I can spend more time in meditation about how I treat the “other”. I need to escape my “echo-chamber”, too. I have a long road to journey to become a real Christian. Good thing Lent is 40 days long. By Easter, I may have made a good start on my reclamation. Let’s do this together. I will be keeping a journal on this site consisting of daily reflections on the readings, and on how I am doing. Join me in keeping a journal. Happy Lent!
