Alliance for Catholic Education
As we approach the halfway point of Lent, we have an occasion to reflect on how we have been doing on our Lenten journey. As strange as this may seem, Lent is by far my favorite liturgical season. Its starkness encourages me to declutter my life, and the music reflects the salvation brought to us through Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. We are called to reflect and find meaning in the quiet during Lent, and the simplicity and contemplative nature of the season provides an opportunity for us to pause and reset, and if necessary, make changes and return to our journey toward the Lord.
Lent is a time to quiet the craziness of the world around us, turn down the volume on all of the distractions that shout for our attention, and refocus on God’s voice and what He is calling each of us to do. Here in the quiet is where God’s presence is truly felt, and we are reminded that He always abides with us. We need to make the effort and take the time to listen and feel His presence. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we are able to truly feel the vastness of God’s grace and mercy. Have we been able to keep the volume turned down, or have we become distracted? Are we helping each other to find the quiet moments to encounter God?
I know that the volume in my life fluctuates daily, and I continually stumble and stray off the path of repentance. I frequently forget my Lenten resolutions in moments when doubt and pain become so loud that I can no longer hear His voice or feel His presence. Luckily, our God is merciful and offers a multitude of opportunities for us to answer the call and return to Him. We must be open to hearing His voice and accept His outstretched hand. Just as we offer our students a clean slate with each new day, our God offers us the same opportunity. We are able to embrace – or reject – the salvation that is offered to all. His salvation is not only a promise for the future, but more importantly, a reality in the present. This is not an easy path, and growth is uncomfortable. If we are truly stretching and challenging ourselves to develop a deeper relationship with the Lord, then we will have doubts and feel discomfort, as our actions indicate that we are not of this world, but focused on the next. We need to remember that, like Jesus during his 40 days in the desert, we are never alone. God abides with us at all times and in all things, and this fills us with hope and strength to attain eternal life with Him in Heaven.
Lenten music is unique because it not only provides a glimpse into the trials and tribulations that Jesus faced as He journeyed to the cross, but also reminds us of the ultimate covenant that God created when He sacrificed His only Son for our eternal salvation. The last verse of Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days – “Abide with us, that through this life of doubts and hope and pain, an Easter of unending joy we may at last attain!” – calls to mind the popular poem by Margaret Fishback Powers, “Footprints.” Both of these works carry the same message of comfort and strength; that in all of our doubts and pain, we are never left to carry our cross alone. As we meet each daily struggle, our God is right there with us, and when we feel like the next step, the next breath, is just too difficult, it is God who lifts us up, and gives us the grace and strength to go on. Through the gift of His grace and mercy, we are empowered to do hard things and meet new challenges daily. By journeying through all of those trials and tribulations, we will have at last reached the mountaintop and can experience the unending joy of Easter –the Resurrection!