Jesus was “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Lk 4:1), which led Him into the desert. Are you ready to follow Him? The desert of Lent can seem a little overwhelming at the beginning. It’s hard to stare down forty mostly cold winter days. Most of us long for spring this time of year. We can’t wait to leave our coats at home, feel the sun on our faces, and see the daffodils cheerfully greeting us. During Lent, we can attach this longing for warmth with our longing for Christ to come warm our hearts with the joy of His Resurrection at Easter.
Lent is a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. A desert is a place of emptiness without much excitement to distract us and little food to fill us. If we fast without prayer, our spirits will starve and our fast will be in vain. We’ll experience the physical emptiness of hunger, but without being “filled with the Holy Spirit” that this emptiness opens us to. Instead, when we pray, we’re filled with God—literally filled with love. Giving to the poor, or almsgiving, turns that love into active love for our neighbors.
During Lent, we simplify our busy lives, quiet our hearts, and turn our focus to our faith. It can be a time of tremendous blessing if we’re willing to take the journey. Fasting, abstinence, Confession, giving something up, and adding a new spiritual practice can seem difficult, but each one brings its own spiritual benefit. All these practices help us let go of old, sinful ways to make room for new growth. You could think of Lent as a type of “spring cleaning” for our souls as we prepare for the celebration of the joys of Easter. Take a good look around in your heart and toss out all the things cluttering it up so you can make more room for God’s love.
Come Holy Spirit, help me quiet and empty my heart so You may fill it with Your love this Lent.
Readings for the 1st Sunday of Lent
DEUTERONOMY 26: 4-10
PSALM 91
ROMANS 10: 8-13
LUKE 4: 1-13