Make The Most Of Lent - Even In A Mess!

“It’s Lent already?!  How did that come along so quickly?” 

I’ve heard myself ask these questions at least several times over the last weeks.  Certainly, Lent falls earlier on the calendar this year; but I also wonder, “Will I really be able to enter into the season now?” 

See, I’m in the midst of transition.  Just a month ago, I started as pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish on the North side of Evansville.  I find myself in the midst of unpacked boxes, new people, schedules and places.  And now on top of all of that, it’s already Lent!  I wonder if there could be a worst time to try to enter into this holy season of Lent, let alone lead others through it. 

Then I’m reminded that there’s never been a perfect time that I’ve entered into Lent.  Maybe it was a new class in my studies for Canon Law.  Maybe it was preparing for a Teens Encounter Christ Retreat.  Maybe it was a string of unforeseen funerals.  They do come in threes you know.  Rarely do I ever really feel “ready” for the season of Lent.  I feel like life is a mess and ask “how could this happen now?”

I am also reminded that God broke into our humanity in the midst of messes.  Mary was found with child when she was betrothed to Joseph but before they were married.  Christ was born in the middle of an animal stable – not the cleanest of delivery rooms.  Just after Christ was baptized in the Jordan, he was led by the Spirit into the desert.   That’s not exactly my thought of the best way to celebrate the opening of heaven and hearing God say, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”  Then, as if this all wasn’t enough, when Christ enters the desert he is tempted by Satan.

So maybe if Christ entered this world by his birth and his public ministry in ways that might be called “messy,” maybe he can enter into the messiness of my life this Lent as well.  Maybe I won’t have my Lenten plan of prayer, fasting and almsgiving completely nailed down yet.  Maybe life will still be a little messy.  Maybe I won’t have all of my boxes unpacked.  But if I’m open to God and respond to where he leads me, I know that God will make this the best Lent yet, even in the midst of the mess.

Father Gries is pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Evansville and Assistant Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Evansville.