All of today's readings speak of a new beginning: The Lord tells Joshua: "Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt" (Josh 5: 9) and the father of the prodigal son exclaims: "... for this son of mine was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found!" (15: 24) while St Paul tells the Corinthians: "If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything has passed away; see everything has become new!" (2 Cor 5: 17) Lent is not simply a season of self-denial - it is a season of renewal. We are renewed by God's love. The obstacle of our sin is no longer insurmountable because Jesus is risen, and his power is available to us through the Holy Spirit if only we have the courage to trust in him. Unfortunately, many people only realize this once they find themselves in the metaphorical pigsty. It is at that moment: "he came to himself." (Lk 15: 17) The discipline of Lent has the benefit of conforming us more to Christ and thereby opening us up to the gratitude of knowing that our heavenly Father is indeed the one who welcomes us home and restores us to our place in the family which is his Church.
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