Ash Wednesday

Today's Mass Readings

How should we approach Lent? I think a huge temptation when it comes to Lent is to enter into it with the wrong perspective. Oftentimes, we hear the word “Lent” and immediately think of suffering. We usually just think about fasting and how we’re going to have to give up things that we don’t want to give up. This usually only leads to discouragement and ultimately dreading Lent.

However, this is the completely wrong perspective. Lent is not about being miserable for 40 days. That is not at all the point. Lent is about a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus is constantly thirsting for us. All he wants is to enter into a deep relationship with us and reveal His abundant love and mercy. He knows that the only thing that will truly satisfy us in this life is relationship with Him. He wants this for us so badly! However, relationships don’t just happen by magic. If we want a relationship with Jesus, and ultimately if we want to be truly satisfied in this life… we have to pray.

Prayer is so essential. The best thing you could do this Lent is to set aside time every day for silent prayer. It doesn’t matter how long, just make time. I absolutely love how today’s Gospel says, “But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.” I believe this shows how God wants an intimate relationship with us. He thirsts for us. He desires our hearts. One on one. We encounter God in the silence.

Furthermore, when we think about the things we should give up for Lent, we should immediately think about what gets in the way of prayer and silence. Jesus is always desiring to communicate his deep love to us. And this love will bring so much peace and joy in our lives (if only we knew how satisfying this truly is). However, it’s very difficult to receive His love and peace when there is so much distraction and noise in our lives. Therefore, the point of fasting is not to give something up just to feel accomplished on Easter, it’s about removing the obstacles to silence and prayer, which ultimately leads to what we truly desire… intimacy with Jesus.

Lent is about prayer. Lent is about a relationship with Jesus Christ. When we think about Lent, we shouldn’t be filled with anxiety and discouragement. Quite the opposite. When we think about Lent, our hearts should burn with joy because we have the opportunity to let Jesus do what He came here to do… enter into a relationship with us.

Reflection by Trevor, seminarian