By: Lauro A. Caliva
On New Year’s Eve, almost everyone happily declared that 2020 would be good to all. Some even declared that it would be better than in 2019. The year that you welcomed did not surprise you with the wonderful things that you imagined. It opened up like a Pandora’s box as political tensions, natural calamities, unexpected deaths, and health crises that sent ripples of fear and grief across the world in just a couple of months.
Some say that it was a crazy coincidence. Others say that it was the unfolding of doomsday prophecies. The mixture of facts and fiction add more burden on the bags of burdens that you already carry on your back. It is easy to say that you want to get away from all of it. Where would you go in times when a novel army of viruses lurk in the air?
Beyond your place, you are not sure about safety. You have limited movements. Perhaps you do not really need long distances to get away from all of it. What you need is a journey a little bit away from the surface towards your innermost self.
There is a need for you to breathe, to process everything that is happening, and to reflect on your next actions. You can actually achieve these during Lent. Yes, the Lenten Season is the perfect opportunity that your heart has been longing for since January. Lent is not only a mandatory period in the Liturgical Calendar but a basic need of your soul.
It is a spiritual journey that will help you survive this year. When done faithfully, you will appreciate the spiritual detoxification that Lent does to your body. You will learn to calm down through praying. You will be reminded about the things that truly matter through fasting. You will find a sense of direction and fulfillment because of almsgiving. Lent will make you realize that a change of perspective is better than a change in environment.
In this Pandora’s box called 2020, don’t just focus on the bad things that came out of it but look at what you still have: the light of hope. There is still hope and the Season of Lent tells you that your only hope is Jesus Christ. Lent leads you to the loving arms of Christ where you will find rest from all that are happening in life and in the world.
Troubles will follow you wherever you go. In times that you are uncertain on which place is safe enough for you, Lent is the refuge that you need in a confusing and challenging year. Do not hesitate to observe the season. It is because the season that will undoubtedly prepare you for Jesus will easily prepare you for all that will happen in this new year and new decade.
#NSOLLPH
About the Author: Lauro A. Caliva is a former volunteer writer in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Quezon City. He worked and studied in Metro Manila. Read this to learn more about him: https://lauroacalivaportfolio.wordpress.com/
