Lent Is About Change

You are a Human Being, You Change

Life means change.

We are always changing whether we like it or not. So it isn’t surprising that in our consideration of Lent the topic of change comes up. We are on a journey throughout life’s varying seasons and we know fine well that change is ever present—no matter how much we kick, scream, protest, or sulk. As one learned writes, “We die throughout our life. What matters is if we do it willingly.” The salient question is whether we will remain on the path of spiritual growth—even in times of pain, boredom, rejection and unbelief—or simply throw up our hands in despair. Lent teaches us to value a persevering faith amidst “life’s contradictions and dissonances.” More simply, put your head down, push on, and stay on the path.

In his reflection on the Lenten season, the theologian Karl Rahner talks about the importance of accepting change :

You are a human being, you change, and you are changed, changed without being consulted and at a moment’s notice. Your status is the inconstancy of transformation. Your lot is to stop and rest at no one status. You are that manifold, incalculable being that never factors out without a remainder. The being that can be broken down into no common denominator other than that which is called God—which you are not, and never will be. Woe to you if, while immersed in time, you should want to be the never-changing, the eternal; you would be nothing but death, a dried up, withered person. (Karl Rahner, The Great Church Year)

The season of Lent focuses on our walk through the desert of life. Every day (for forty days) we walk the dusty roads of Judea while listening to our Teacher’s voice. It is certainly a path that invites change.

Lent is meant to wake us up! The painting above is a fresh Andean take on the Last Supper. It prods me to wake up. What about you?

Lent is an invitation to change and wake up!