LENT IS A TIME OF BLESSINGS

The Grace of Lent

Every Lenten season is a special grace that the Lord bestows upon us; we must therefore be grateful for this Lent and the blessings it brings. Throughout Lent and the Easter season, God renews his graces, for life in God is filled with blessings, and every liturgical season is an opportunity for divine favours.

The Blessings

A blessing is like a shower of gifts, a special moment when we receive His care in a particular way. Yet God does not limit Himself to small gifts; whilst He may give us things that delight our senses, like a sweet to a child, He also gives us substantial nourishment. We know that a child cannot live on sweets alone; otherwise, they will not grow properly, for they need solid food. God, having given us everything, gives us His crucified Son: the greatest of all blessings. The most precious gift. Through the cross of Christ we receive eternal life. The Word of God is the greatest gift we have ever received.

In the Gospel of Luke (5:1–11), God showers Peter with His blessings. Peter had gone out fishing; that was his trade. By morning, he had caught no fish at all. Jesus was there preaching; and He asked Peter for a favour – his boat – and to take Him out into deeper water. Peter listened to his word. He obeyed Jesus. Jesus did not stop at simply taking Peter’s boat. He asked him to row out into deep water and cast his nets; and at this point Peter protested: ‘We’ve been toiling all night without catching anything. ’ He then thinks it over and corrects himself, saying: ‘But on your word, I’ll cast the nets.’ And when he does so, he catches a great many fish. By doing what Jesus asks, he receives His favour. If you want to receive God’s blessings, live by His Word.

Lack of faith in God’s blessings

There are times when we complain. ‘I live only for You, Lord; I make so many sacrifices. Where is Your hand at work in my life?’ We sometimes feel that the service we render to Jesus is a waste of time. We feel as though we are doing too much for Jesus. Yet this passage shows us that Jesus is concerned not only for our souls, but also for our bodies. When Jesus took the time to preach from Peter’s boat, Peter might well have felt he was wasting his time. He teaches us patience. Obeying God brings His blessing. The Lord promises us the blessings we ask for, and this is how Lent prepares us for them. God showers us with material blessings, but ultimately with eternal life. Jesus tells Peter to put out into deep water, and he catches a great many fish. Then he calls him to follow him. Peter does not hesitate because he knows he will have more than just fish. The season of Lent is an opportunity to have a profound experience of life with Jesus. May my prayer, my living out of the Word and my love grow ever deeper.

Henri Bayemi