Because we are human beings who need visible reminders to keep us focused, the Church invites us to fast, to pray and to give alms (cf Mt 6:1-18), but these tangible realities are but means to an end. The point of our fasting is to help us identify the earthly preoccupations, the noises that sometimes make it difficult for us to listen for the Lord's voice. The practice of listening for the voice of the Lord is what we refer to as prayer, and the fruit of our prayer is a sharpened awareness of our brothers and sisters who are in need.
As we set out on this journey, what direction should we turn to? The prophet reminds us that we should rend our hearts, not our garments (Joel 2:13). Those who first heard these words were well aware of the imperative of taking care of others. It would have been unheard of for someone to ignore the needs of a stranger who knocked at his door. If that stranger needed food, they would hurry to feed; if that stranger needed clothing, they would willingly supply whatever was needed; if that person needed lodgings, they would gladly make room. Lent reminds us that we are all travelling on the journey of life. As we do, we sometimes realize that we need to change our hearts and get re-focused.
Brothers and sisters, let us courageously set out on the journey that lies ahead. It takes courage to admit that we need to change so that we can return to the Lord (Joel 2:13), but at the same time we can find encouragement in the promise that our God, who invites us to come back to him, is always gracious and merciful ... slow to anger and rich in mercy. God is waiting for us to come back to him, and Lent is a perfect time to do just that. Coming back to the Lord might seem like a daunting task, but it is meant to be a joyous encounter, like children who is coming home, returning to a father who truly loves each one of them.
Dear friends, we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor 5:20). Not only is God inviting us to come back to him this Lent; he is also inviting us to share the example of our own lives with those we encounter. Through the example of our own willingness to come back to the Lord, God will work in the hearts of others. Even without uttering a word, let us dare to call out to the men and women of our time, echoing the words of Saint Paul: we implore you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God. With this hope in our hearts, let us set out on the journey toward the celebration of Easter.
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