Are you going to watch the big game on Sunday? I watch it every year. My favorite part is actually the ‘hoopla’ that happens just before game time. The player introductions, the anthems, etc. The hype beforehand is exciting because the outcome is unknown. After watching weeks of playoff games, I know a little more about many of the players and coaches involved, which makes it more engaging. (And since my team was eliminated early on, I can enjoy watching without the stress of being too invested.)
The week before Superbowl Sunday is also a pretty big deal with more hoopla including preparation, practice, events, entertainment, and interviews. Even though the event occurs every year, each game is special and unique with the story lines, the matchups, and the work both teams did to qualify. Yes, it’s a great week of excitement and anticipation.
It is now the week before our next season. Of course, we know that next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. With one week to go, how are we doing with our preparations to start our Lenten journey? Recent Gospel readings have provided extraordinary images to help us become more engaged. We saw Jesus baptized by John (a daily Mass Gospel reading). We watched Simon, Andrew, James, and John leave their nets behind. We witnessed the great compassion of Jesus as he heals Simon’s mother-in-law and later removes an unclean spirit. This Sunday, we’ll see him encounter a leper who will ‘be made clean.’ We’ve been hearing about the multitudes surrounding him, so we can believe many more occurrences of love, compassion, and healing happened.
I found it helpful to spend time with these recent Gospel readings, so I could do my best to picture the scenes, the people, and the conversations. There must have been great excitement and anticipation. During this week, we’ll likely spend time discerning what we are going to ‘do’ for Lent, praying for the grace to make us more aware. What is our unique story line this year? Where do we need to focus to be better prepared to walk this journey with Jesus? How can we open our hearts and make room to receive the love, compassion, and healing of the Resurrected Christ?
Journeying to Grace 