A Year of Lent?

The Covid-19 related ‘lockdown’ began in Lent last year, and we’re back to Lent again. Someone said recently, “it’s just been a long year of Lent!” Usually Lent leads to the triumphant entry to Jerusalem, wherein the crucifixion looms large and the promise of resurrection hides just over the horizon. In some ways it feels like Jesus hasn’t emerged from the tomb.

Image credits: From Art in the Tradition

Kramskoĭ, Ivan Nikolaevich, 1837-1887. Christ in the Wilderness

Swanson, John August. Entry into the City

But this past year offers opportunity for reflection. What have you missed the most? Of what sources of life have you been deprived? When we can meet again in person, what will bring you the most joy? What discomforts have brought new insight and new awareness?

What if we can reframe this past year as a contemplative pause, not unlike Jesus wandering in the desert? How can you bring the insights of this past year with you on the next stage of your journey?

Every discomfort offers insight to our own experience. We are to attune to the discomfort. (That does not mean enduring suffering at the hand of another, though.) Our self-awareness, including awareness of discomforts, helps us attune to God's calls on our life. We re-learn priorities. We re-member the people around us. We continue our life-long journeys toward wholeness.