Backpacking through lent.

Lent is closing in. Before Ash Wednesday comes, I want to prepare myself to best benefit from the opportunity of 40 days dedicated to reflection and compassion. I want lent to make a difference.

First, I want to remember that lent offers me the opportunity to remember the real Jesus. If I can believe anything of the gospels, it is that Jesus reached out to me at my level. He did not pretend to take suffering or sorrow away. He came to endure as I endure, and to suffer as I suffer.

Lent reminds me of this very subtle theme. And if I want to be a true Christian, I too must learn to suffer with those who suffer and endure with those who endure.

For Christianity steps into the unity of commonality. It should make me closer to my fellow human beings, not set me apart. It should bring me into the reality of life, not remove me from it. It should build my empathy, and enrich my charity. This is how Jesus lived.

Lent offers me the opportunity to do just that. It invites me to prepare myself for the unique journey of life by focusing on my attitudes.

As the days of Lent approach, instead of joining in the wild parties that mark Shrove Tuesday, I want to gear up for a more solid spiritual journey, as one about to go off on a long backpacking trek.  I want to make sure I add meditation, austerity, and silence to my backpack. Because, I want this lent to make a difference.

Preparing for Lent

Lent is just around the corner, February 22 to be exact. And it is not too soon to begin thinking of ways to make this Lent unique. I would like to suggest that we try to go into the desert, just as the gospels tell us Jesus did before he began his ministry.

The desert is a favored place among early mystics. It offered them a secluded spot where they could delve into the innermost part of their souls. And what they found supplies the rich literature of early christian writing.

But why a desert? I think that it hints at the importance of putting aside regular life when you want to get serious about finding God within. There is also the sense of silence, of solitude, of alone-ness. Of having to find it yourself. No guide, no soul-mate. Just you and God.

When John the Baptist drew followers, Jesus asked those followers "What did you go out into the desert to see?" We might ask ourselves the same questions. What is our purpose in pursuing a greater connection with God? Are we programming our spiritual life like we do our career or our social life? Do we go out into the desert because we are curious? Or are we in search for something else?

I personally believe that the greatest gift the desert offers is its silence and solitude. It makes me realize the potential for a new way of living. It offers me a new level of understanding. It demonstrates how small things may be great rewards.

I want to remember to prepare for Lent by entering the desert, without a schedule or a plan. Then, what I find may surprise me. And in that surprise, I may discover a deeper relationship with God.