In the Deuteronomy reading for Thursday's liturgy Moses speaks words taht taken seriously could frighten any serious-minded person. These words might well make a sinner uncomfortable. Who among us finds a challenge whenever sins of the past are recalled? No doubt there are at least a few!
At the outset of our Lenten journey it is good to recall tat the goal of our Lenten season is to accept and live joyfully the resurrection of Jesus. It is not a journey designed to take us through a wrenching look at the "moments" in our lives we might do differently now. This season of purple is a call to appreciate God's love, especially Jesus' gift of himself for redemption.
While the journey is in the early stages, Easter Sunday and the Resurrection may seem years away especially when one form of fasting or another is a Lenten practice adopted for forty days! Howver, if there is time set aside each day for prayer, the forty days can develop into a season of extraordinary encounters with Jesus Christ and his Father.
Whenever we return to the Father or his son, will not the event of and the Rembrant depiction of the loving embrace of a prodigal son by a loving father make a reconciliation with God of more value than just thinking about it.
May your turning to God during this 2008 Lent be a memorable part of your life's journey, bringing great peace.
