What is Jesus Doing During Lent?

Fill-in the blank: For Lent this year I’m going to _________. Usually, we give up or add something i.e: give up chocolate and instead bring sandwiches to the homeless. In the past I’ve participated in the decreasing and increasing activities of Lent. Sometimes it was a checklist activity. I remember putting a quarter in a slot each day to fulfill my alms giving. In reflection, I was observing the season of Lent like a spectator. I don’t recall the date or time that I finally came to understand that Lent is a gift of grace that is entered into as a disciple of Jesus. Lent has never been a spectator sport since that epiphany.

As a follower of Jesus, I am discerning what He is doing during Lent. I can read the Gospels to relive the 40 days in the wilderness that teach about praying, fasting and alms giving, and even the entry into Jerusalem and Holy Week. I can earnestly work to develop spiritual practices to deepen my relationship with Christ. But if these are things I do, what are Jesus and the Holy Spirit doing? First, I think Jesus is present and presence during Lent. He is the truth, the way, and the light of Lent. I am reminded to let go of me, my wants, my pleasures, my sin, so that I can cling to Christ. The act of clinging is to be plugged into Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is the electric power that transforms me.

In reality, even during Lent, Jesus and the Holy Trinity, do what they always do – transform you and me. Could it be that the seasons of the church are “little” sacraments? Is not my time in Lent an encounter with Christ in a life changing way? Lent is a gift where grace happens. May I allow it to be so.