Whodunit?

One Sunday afternoon, several years ago, we were dining at a local restaurant. A few minutes before we left, the waitress delivered some very heavily-laden plates of food to the booth across from us. In the transfer from tray to table, a few pieces of corn fell to the floor.

When we stood to leave, our youngest son, who was about 4 years old at the time, pointed to the abandoned kernels. I acknowledged his assessment, “Yes, someone made a mess, didn’t they?”

Of course, he hadn’t seen the waitress drop them. He immediately looked up, saw the gentlemen’s plate from which the food had fallen, and declared quite loudly, “It was HIM!” (Thankfully, the kind man had a good sense of humor. He and his teenaged children got a good laugh out of it all.)

So, it is Lent. The time for introspection, reflection, confession, and growth in our relationship with the Lord. Visions of sad songs in minor keys and long lines at the confessional fill our thoughts. Forty days of gloom.

Then there is the time spent in that long line at the confessional. What an awkward situation, as we stand next to others who are contemplating their sins. Small talk seems a bit irreverent. And what would we say: “What are you here for?” “How are you today?” “Hey! How about that basketball game last night?” Hmmm…no.

First, let’s clear up the “gloom and doom” myth. Yes, Lent is a time of drawing closer to God. Yes, it is a time for allowing the Holy Spirit to once again search our hearts. Yes, we are remembering Jesus’ time of fasting in the wilderness. Yes, we are preparing to join in Holy Week, and reflecting on the Passion of our Lord. All of this is true.

But gloom and doom? Quite the contrary! This should be one of the most blessed and encouraging times of the liturgical year! God’s cleaning us out, drawing us closer, and we are growing in intimacy with Him as we share His path. It is preparing us for life everlasting.

Second, let’s make it a HOLY Lent. If we’ve heard it once, we’ve heard it a thousand times: “What are you giving up for Lent?” Maybe the better question should be, “What do you want to see God accomplish in your life this Lent?” Really. In what ways do we want to become more like His Son?

Third, a bit of advice for the long lines at the confessional. No finger-pointing. In that time, it is just God and you. If we were to say to the priest, “I’m really not that bad. I mean, I did [name the sin], but it wasn’t really my fault,” his response might be, “No, it was YOU!” ;)

Have a blessed Lent!

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23, 24