Lenten Reflections

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By Karyn Merriman, Chapel Art Center

I envision the Lenten season as a period of growth, more so than a period of penitence or self-denial. Late winter and early spring are moments of the Earth’s renewal, providing an opportunity to reorient to the rhythms of nature, and towards the Paschal season.

Moments of introspection and reflection are becoming more difficult to come by it seems, and a real effort must be made to turn oneself away from external distraction toward an inner perspective. So many things call for our attention in loud voices: taking the time to listen to the quiet merits equal consideration, for it is no less important.

Like a seed, feeling the first hints of warmth and spring sunshine as signals to awaken and grow, so too can the Lenten season be a time to set intentions for the coming riot of abundance that is spring and summer. Turning inward, assessing one’s need for one’s own renewal, and practicing quiet meditation are our human ways of nurturing ourselves from within by marshaling our resources and strength for our own spiritual rebirth found in the Easter Mysteries.

In the first reading from today, Is 58:9b-14, the Lord says,

Then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday; Then the LORD will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land. He will renew your strength, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails.

I interpret this passage to represent faith as a seed which comes into the light and thrives on the strength and nourishment of the Lord’s love for us. As I reflect on the season, I am guided by the thought that, through faith in the invisible workings of God, we, like the seed, will awaken, grow and thrive in “a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails.”