Contemplative Focus
Lent – Space for God, Space for Love
Giving and receiving mark the rhythm of our lives. Oftentimes, we think of the season of Lent as a time of giving; more specifically - giving up something. We imagine ourselves as giving something up for God to show our love. In that mind-set, penance and sacrifice are the words that come to mind. And that isn’t bad.
But how might Lent be different if we were to think of it as a time of receiving? What if it were a time for creating space within us to receive the gift of God; the Living Water Jesus spoke about to the Samaritan woman at the well? [John 4] If we thought of Lent in that way, it becomes a time of hope and expectation; of eager anticipation. The emphasis changes from what we are giving to God to what God is giving to us when we consent to remain open and receptive. As the psalmist says, “Open wide your mouth, and I will fill it.” [Psalm 81]
Our intentional consent to remain open to God is ultimately our consent to remain open to Love; to be refreshed by the Living Water Jesus offers us freely. To make space for Love is the greatest gift we can give God because it gives God a heart in which to love us and, through us, to pour God’s love on our world. Perhaps our question to God might be: “How can I create space for You during this Lenten season?” The answer will be unique to each of us. Our fidelity to the answer holds the promise of new life both for us and for our world.
Claire Sokol, O.C.D.
Reno Carmel
