Spiritual Spring Cleaning

As we enter this fourth week of Lent, I have many questions. I am questioning the process: Giving up something to make life easier or the world a better place, adding more prayer, meditation, and gratitude, and now writing down my thoughts and questions to reflect on… I am questioning what Lent is really about. 
 
Here is the short of it… Lent should be about living the Gospel every day and initiating our awareness of those who need the most attention. The internet and constant new blitz heighten our awareness of global suffering. However, many people live in our shadows and require our immediate care. The lonely need to hear the voice of compassion. The sick demand our companionship. The alienated call out for friendship. Our broken relationships need the assistance that only the love of God can repair. 


Lent encourages us to redefine the word "sacrifice." We assume that the word "sacrifice" means giving something away or denying ourselves of something.  Lent should raise our awareness of the things we take for granted. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ makes us realize that what we possess is even more powerful than what we are giving away. Our Lenten sacrifice highlights our free will. Since creation, God has left us to our own devices to choose our own path. During this season, we must reflect on what we have and what we need to change. 


Lastly, Lent is a time for spiritual "spring cleaning." After a long winter indoors, we long to throw open the windows and clean the house of unwanted dirt and dust. Lent urges us to do the same. What are the unwanted habits that you want to eliminate from your life? What do you do that contributes to the brokenness of this world? The way to answer these questions is through reflection and prayer.  It not too late to make Lent your new beginning.

Blessings Rev. Kim 

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