Conversion

Lent is a time when the Church asks us to reflect on our values, practices, and behaviors to see how they are in line with Christ’s command to love God and neighbor as we love ourselves. It’s also a time of fasting- so that we can clear out those things which have become barriers to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and time of penitence- so that we can repent and return to God and God’s way of love.

Lent is meant to be a time of healing, but sometimes it can feel like drudgery. The work of Lent is hard work, to be sure; but, it is intended to be life-giving and transformational. And the conversion of life to which Lent calls us is not something that happens all at once- it doesn’t even happen after one perfectly practiced Lent. Conversion is the work of a lifetime. Conversion is the ongoing work of turning our hearts more and more to God so that God more and more enables us to live and love more like Jesus. 

So, if you’ve had a productive Lent and you feel closer to God and more energized to live the Good News of God’s saving in Christ, be grateful, and be an inspiration to others. But, if you feel like you have failed this Lent, or even if you haven’t made much of an effort to grow closer to God- do not despair. God accepts and honors the desire in our hearts to be united more fully to God’s love, even if our lived practice doesn’t always align with our desire. And it’s never too late to turn to God and to ask for God’s help. 

As we come to the end of this Lenten Season, may the grace of God draw all of us to see our dignity and worth as God’s beloved. May we offer our hearts and lives as sacrifices of love, and may we support and nurture one another on our paths towards conversion.