Called to Light
A Lenten Reflection
By John Baptist Riordan
Just like a stroke of an artist’s brush, the winter
landscape has begun to melt and reveal the dormant
colors of this season, the browns and the wheat-colored
grasses. Each day, the sun sets a minute later. We are on
the road to spring.
Of course, we still have a number of weeks to endure the
cool winds and the storms before we see the stirrings of
new life, the buddings of vegetation amidst the greenings
of the grass.
This can be a time of meditation and reflection in
preparation for the next cycle of our lives. Each year, we
are given the opportunity to evaluate our spiritual
progress and to cleanse our inner longings through the
medicine of penance.
Lent is a time of prayer, meditation and reflection. It is a
journey of trust and conversion. Self-discipline is meant
to lead us to a better sense of self-knowledge.
Understanding who we are, in light of the Gospel, can
assist us in accepting our personal role in salvation
history.
When we were children, did we really understand why we
gave up candy or did not attend the movies during lent?
The manner in which we attacked the Easter basket of
goodies [on Easter morning and not sooner] did not
necessarily show self control. We felt sugar deprived for
40 days!
Instead of foregoing candy or the opera, lent can be used
as a time for honest evaluation of how we participate in
the message of the Gospel. What is the quality of our
prayer? Do we genuinely practice what we preach?
There are many concerns and responsibilities
that call for our attention during lent. We can
become so involved with the different
celebrations of lent that our lives may feel as if
we are a part of a three-ringed circus. Yes,
towards the final weeks of lent, the Circus will
be in town. But, as far as I know, we are not
performers in that show.
Rather, lent challenges us to balance our
concerns and ministries in order to be in close
concert with our Lord. Like Mary, we are to
make the time to kneel at his feet.
Lent is a pivotal part of the yearly cycle of our
lives. We are called to listen and accept. We
are invited to recommit and respond to the
Words of the Cross.
Through his crucifixion, we are restored to life
and come to a new dawn. It is a time of new
growth [in his likeness]. We are made whole
and given talent to spread his kingdom
through word and sacrament.
In song and praise, we are called to the light.
We are invited to walk as a people of Light—
the Paschal Light.
Yes, he is our Lord. As gift, he calls us his
people; his friends who are true disciples of
his peace and hope!
John Baptist Riordan resides and ministers with the
friar community of Saint John the Baptist in New York City.