by Lourdu Mummadi, SJ, Jesuit Fellow
The season of Lent reminds me of imagery of the ‘alarm clock.’ As we know, the primary functions of an alarm clock are to alert at a specified time and to awaken individuals or a group of individuals from their sleep or nap. In other words, an alarm clock functions as a wake-up call. Similarly, in my opinion, the season of Lent alerts and awakens us spiritually. Lent is a wake-up call for an individual or a group of people. Moreover, lent is the time to awaken to check whether one is making appropriate choices in his or her life to grow spiritually.
A reflection on Jesus’ parables in the gospels helps me to believe that Jesus frequently asked people questions to reflect on their understanding of life. Jesus made people reflect on what they have heard from him. He helped them make their choices in freedom. More importantly, He made them reflect on what is essential in life and thereby make choices willingly. Most of you agree with me that our life is defined by the choices we make. There are innumerable choices in front of us. Some of us have learned to make better choices in the course of time by examining and reflecting on what kind of choices make us happy and be at peace.
When we think of making choices, all of us can remember how we have grown making choices. In general, a five-year-old boy makes his choice of what color doll he wants to ask his mother to buy for him. Seven- and nine-year-old boys and girls make a choice who their friends will be. A thirteen-year-old choose which sports he or she will play and how to spend their leisure time. By the time one reaches 15 years old or above, he or she is able to think individually and make personal choices about their education and career. Unlike the early years, the individual choices in later years determine our destiny and help us to be successful in our careers. However, as followers of Jesus, we need to ask whether our choices are to gratify flesh or nourish the spirit. Lent is an excellent opportunity to alert us to look into how our relationship with God and thereby awaken to making appropriate choices to strengthen our relationship with God.
Further, the season of lent alerts us to examine the choices we have been making. The Bible fittingly mentions, “Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully” (2 John 1:8). Let us ask what is essential in life; what choices can be changed to get rid of the clutter in life; As St. Ignatius of Loyola mentioned, we are never alone in our spiritual journey. We have God who suffers with us and who journeys with us. With confidence and the trust in God, let us open our hearts to the presence of God’s Spirit in and around us. Let us make appropriate choices that lead us to contentment and peace in our hearts. Let us pray like the Psalmist “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths” (Psalm 25:4).
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