Readings for the Day:
Reflection:
The focus of Lent is often on fasting and sorrow. However, if we take a deeper look at the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians on Ash Wednesday, we will see a different picture.
Yes, as Paul points out there is hardship in the world and in our mission as followers of Christ. Yet we do not face these times merely in hope of what is to come. As Paul tells us, the day of Salvation is here. Now is the time that God is working glories in us.
Lent is a time where we acknowledge the hardships we still face, but we do so only with an eye to the Resurrection. Lent is not a time for us to be sorrowful. It is a time for us to look ahead to Easter and be ready to experience it with all joy Paul calls us to in 2 Corinthians.
As Paul reminds us, even as we have nothing we possess everything. Lent is the time where we can see that. We do not fast in this time to be sorrowful. We do so to look towards the joy of Resurrection at Easter. We do not prepare merely to wallow in our sins. We do so to turn around so that we can more clearly see God and the great work our Lord has done for us by living among us, dying for us, and rising to raise us to new life with Him.
Lent only works if we have an eye to Easter. Lent only works if we look forward to the joy that is to come and is, indeed, already here.