Today’s gospel reading reminds us to prepare ourselves for the coming of Easter. Last weekend was the half way point of Lent, and now, more than ever, it is important that we make ready for the miracle of Easter.
Lent is a time of preparation and reflection. A time in which we can look at our lives and see how we can improve upon them. Many people take Lent as an opportunity to purify their lives by sacrificing something superfluous, yet satisfying. By simplifying their lives they are finding inner peace and making themselves ready to accept the sacrifice of Jesus and the miraculous redemption that comes with his rising from the dead.
Lent can also be a time to reach out to others; to reconnect with old friends, share your faith with strangers, or to strengthen bonds between family members. When today’s gospel says “unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” I am always reminded of our interdependence on one another as human beings.
If we all live within ourselves for ourselves, no one can be truly happy or successful, but if we all work harmoniously at what we excel at or enjoy, a loving, laughing world we will be able to create in which we all have an important role. By thinking of others and not just ourselves, we can improve our own lives by putting smiles on the faces of others.
There are times when we become so caught up in ourselves we miss the splendor of what is really going on around us. I encourage you, for this second half of Lent as you make your final preparations for Easter, to live in a more world-conscious manner. You do not have to win every argument, nor does everything have to go your way in order for you to be at peace. Sometimes, not getting it your way is even more rewarding, and even if not, making someone else’s day by stepping back from your own selfish desires, can be a beautiful experience.
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