Lenten Reflections

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By Kaitlyn West ’26

Jesus said to his disciples, “Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” But what does this mean to us? In what ways can we inherit the kingdom prepared for us as disciples of Jesus while trapped in modernity?

Oftentimes we drive by the homeless as we rush to our next task of the day and quickly hand them a water, make the sign of the cross, or at least say, “May God bless you!” But how often is it that we provide people who are spiritually thirsty or hungry with the hope of the Gospel? It is time to start looking at those who surround us as gifts from God who will benefit from a deeper relationship with Christ instead of just classmates, professors, or people. Deep down, Jesus is within each and every one of us, no matter how we appear from the outside. Why would we want to take away from that beauty?

We want to inherit the kingdom of Heaven! It is something we pray for each morning and night, and something we might think about all day long! Today, Jesus reminds us all that there are no special words that will bring us there. We have to show Him how much love we have by the way we treat people. When we provide for others, needy or not, welcome strangers, and be honest, we are simultaneously doing all of this for the Lord. That is what will lead us to the path of salvation. It is not always about what we say, it is how we act. For when we act towards others, we are acting towards the Lord.

When we deny ourselves and others of these gifts, we are also taking them away from Christ. This is not what He wants us to do, it hurts Him to see us turn away from those He has placed in our lives. It is a true blessing to know that our God is one who wants us to love in a world where hatred is so apparent.

So as we enter this Lenten season, my challenge to all of us is to seek Christ in all who walk through our own paths. Help those who are in need of clothing and water, and give food to the hungry, but also spread the good news to our classmates, friends, family, and professors. Be honest with all who surround us and never demonstrate an ounce of hatred. This will lead us towards eternal life and this is what Jesus has called each of us to do!