When we search online for just about anything, we include key words to help narrow our search: Not just shoes, but athletic shoes for walking. Not just a house, but a three-bedroom ranch with two baths. Not just a job, but a sales job in the communications industry within 15 miles of home. These key words are important filters to help us find what we’re looking for. As Lent begins today, perhaps there are some key words—some special filters—that will guide us to what we need to discover on our Lenten journey this year. Perhaps in our prayerful moments of awareness and reflection, they will lead us to encounter Christ in a new and revealing way.
Lots of words go with Lent, as do many images. As you spend time preparing for this journey of sacrifice and reconciliation, ‘narrow your search’ and see where the Lord may be leading you. What key words are inviting you to pathways of healing, hope, and renewal? Is this the Lent ‘forgiveness’ works in your heart and through your hurts? Is this the Lent ‘trust’ and ‘letting go’ become your focus so you more fully live in faith with less worry? Is this the Lent you offer ‘grace’ to those who upset or discourage you so you free yourself of the burden of their negativity? Is this the Lent you decide to slow down and take time to truly ‘rest’ in the love and goodness of the Lord?
What is it this Lent that you need to lift up and give to the Lord? A specific circumstance or interaction may be causing your heart to be heavy. Or a difficult decision may be weighing on you. What Lenten key word or image will help make room in your heart for the promise of hope and renewed life in Christ? Let us pray that our key words work in us in a special way this Lent, that they prepare us so we are ready to fully receive the Light of Christ, and that they guide us to find what we’re looking for.
Journeying to Grace 