Our Lenten journey is approaching its final, liminal stage, a threshold of change. It is time to pause and reflect, how am I keeping the journey? Are my resolutions closer to being met, am I any nearer Jesus than when I began, am I becoming stronger in my faith?
Looking outside, I see the signs of an approaching spring. The cold weather is easing, yet winter lingers for a while longer. Walking outside this morning, I see how the ice is formed on the trees around my neighborhood. It won’t be long; spring is about to burst forth with new colors and sounds. Nature is in a state of liminality, of transition, from one stage to the next, preparing for a rebirth of new life and blessings. It will be glorious to behold.
"Our Lenten journey is approaching its final, liminal stage, a threshold of change."
Looking inwardly now, I ask, where am I in the spiritually liminal period of Lent? Is my soul moving closer to Jesus, can I make these final days count? So much is happening, so many concerns of the world to look to; we all have so many difficulties in our lives. Now is the time, a most important moment, to pause and look inward, to be honest, and to recommit to our Lenten journey of faith.
There is so much to be repaired and healed. We know that we can’t do it alone, as hard as we may try. Accepting our failures and limitations is the truest blessing of entry into the liminal transition of Lent, for it leads to our awakening to the mercy of God. Let’s not waste any more time, it is time to look again to Jesus.
"Now is the time, a most important moment, to pause and look inward, to be honest, and to recommit to our Lenten journey of faith."
Today will come an invitation to each one of us, perhaps through prayer, fasting, or almsgiving, to draw closer to the mercy of God. My resolution is to let go and to banish any self-doubt about my worthiness to receive that invitation, and to embrace it when it comes. Every moment spent with Jesus, and to live in that moment, walking with him towards the cross, hearing his words, every moment is worth the whole journey.
Our Lenten journey has entered the final, liminal stage, a threshold of change. Let’s use this time wisely. Today’s resolution? To open our hearts to the Father who sees our brokenness, to let go of what obstructs us, and to follow Jesus joyfully into new life.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg
Bishop of Pueblo