Lent is a Time of Blessings

The Grace of Lent

Each season of Lent is a special grace that the Lord grants us; so we must be thankful for this Lenten season and for the blessings that flow from it. Through Lent and the Easter season, God renews his blessings, for life in God is strewn with blessings, and every liturgical season is  an occasion of blessings and graces.

Blessings

A blessing is like a shower of gifts; it is a particular moment when one receives attentions in a special way. But  God does not limit himself to small gifts; though he gives us things that delight our senses, like a sweet to a child, he gives us solid food. We know that a child cannot feed only on sweets, otherwise he will not grow well, and so he needs solid food.  God, after giving everything, gives his crucified Son: the greatest of blessings. The greatest, most precious gift. Through the cross of Christ we receive eternal life. The word of God is the greatest gift we have received.

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 5:1-11, God fills Peter with his blessings.  Peter had gone fishing; it was his trade. Until morning he had caught nothing. Jesus is there preaching;  and he asks Peter for a service, his boat, and to take him a little way from the shore. Peter listened to his word. He obeyed Jesus. Jesus does not stop at taking Peter’s boat. He asks him to put out into deep water and to cast the nets; and there Peter argues: ‘we have already toiled all night and caught nothing.’ He reasons, then he corrects himself, saying: ‘but at your word, I will cast the nets.’ And when he casts the net, he catches so many fish.  By doing what Jesus asks, he receives blessings in abundance. If you want to receive the blessings of God, live his Word.

The lack of faith in God’s blessings

There are times when we complain. ‘I live only for you, Lord, so many sacrifices I make. Where is your action in my life?’  We sometimes regard all the sacrifices we make for Jesus as a waste of time.  We feel that we are doing too much for Jesus.  But this Word shows us that Jesus thinks not only of our soul but of our body as well.

When Jesus was taking the time to preach from Peter’s boat, Peter could have felt that he was wasting his time.  But he teaches us patience. To obey God brings his blessing. The Lord promises us the blessings we so often ask for, and this is how Lent prepares us for them. Do not neglect this Lent. The Lord fills us with material blessings, but then with eternal life. Jesus tells Peter to put out, and he catches so many fish. Then he calls him to follow him. Peter does not hesitate, for he knows that he will receive more than the fish he has caught. The season of Lent is the occasion for a powerful experience of life with Jesus. May my prayer, my living of the Word, and my love grow ever stronger.

Henri Bayemi