The excesses we reduce; the reaching out to those who have lost their jobs or their homes; helping those who are alone and most likely suffering loneliness; and reassuring those elderly in their worries over what little they might have; and encouraging those young people who have had to leave college because of funding: all of these and many other practices might indeed be the sacrifices we might consider during this particular Lenten season. Being a brother or sister to another person who is in dire straits might well be among the challenges that bring about a deeper awareness of who each of us truly is.Again, Lent is a journey. Travel, the travel of any journey, can be a transformation. Going from where you are to a new place makes your somewhat different. Imagine the change if you have lost your job and have to make the trip to the unemployment line ... for a first time ... and it is not your fault! That is a change in who a person might be. The sense of failure muse be overwhelming especially if that person's family will suffer because of the circumstances.
On the brighter side, most people feel a sense of excitement on setting out and along a journey to a new place. This is what Lent can bring to us even in our down in the dumps feelings. Lent, a time of growing closer to the Lord, can bring us to a new place, to a new sense of our relationship to the Redeemer.
In our churches, at every celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy, the celebrant initiates a series of petitions for our prayers. Are we bringing the very painful needs of our sisters and brothers to the altar each day?
