The season of Lent has begun. Lent originally meant “springtime,” and so we can view it as a springtime for the spirit. It is a time also to spring clean the cave of our hearts!
Whatever the variations in the practice of Lent over the last 2,000 years, the main issue is whether Lent helps me to become more aware of how I stand in relation to God and my neighbour. The ancient practices designed to achieve these goals were fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. The call to fast makes me focus on the affairs of the spirit rather than of the body. The call to almsgiving makes me more alert to my needy neighbour. The call to prayer nourishes my relationship with God, and especially with Jesus and his Passion.