Today is the beginning of Lent. We are marked with ashes as a reminder of our mortal nature. All the things of this world, including our physical bodies, will one day be nothing more than dust. This harsh reality may seem a rather unpleasant beginning to a liturgical season, but in a way it is a beautiful awakening.
The Gospels that begin our Lenten season take us on a journey with Christ into the desert. There we, like him, are faced with a silence. The barren landscape offers no distractions, but instead forces an inner focus. We have but a brief time in this life. Being reminded of this fact gives us the incentive to truly reflect on the people we have become. How will you live? What will you value? Whom will you hold dear? What will others know about you by your actions?
I encourage you to really walk this desert journey with an open heart this year. Consider reading some spiritual reflections to help you deepen your knowledge and connection with God. I recommend beginning with one of the most famous spiritual writings of our time, The Wisdom of the Desert by Thomas Merton. One of the most well-known quotes from this book sums up the reason we should all take advantage of this time for contemplation,
What can we gain by sailing to the moon if we are not able to cross the abyss that separates us from ourselves?
Are you ready to walk into the desert? I wish you peace on your journey.
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