The Season Of Lent

This is the holy season of Lent. The universal Church offers a 40-day reflective period. It’s time to look deeper within. There can be two simple reflective exercises to rejuvenate oneself and revivify one’s spiritual energies. Firstly, begin an introspective journey. We might have several pent-up emotions, weaknesses, scars of tragedies and down moments. And, this is the time for selfrenewal and amendment. There is also the possibility of having only strengths, joys, success and happy moments. Secondly, to start a retrospective journey in one’s heart and mind. This process will help in making us aware of ups and downs, highs and lows, joys and sorrows, and successes and failures. It will free us from all our worries, anxieties, tensions, depressions and stresses of day-to-day life. We may come across several questions pertaining to the life we live daily. The answers to these questions may make us strong in our will power. We are just travellers on a voyage. It may be a short one for some, while a long one for some others. Prayers, fasting, alms-giving, helping the poor and sacrificing should come from our hearts as goodwill gestures and not mere obligations. These special Lenten practices are meant to be observed throughout the year and not just for the Lenten season per se. We all are God’s children and we share the responsibility to help, support and care for one another. Reconciling differences within and with others will make a difference in this season of Lent for discovering the true Self.

Source: Economic Times, 17/03/2020