Embracing Lent: Reflections on Earthly Existence

Embracing Lent: Reflections on Earthly Existence

As Lent begins, we are reminded of our humble origins and our ultimate return to the earth—"ashes to ashes, dust to dust." This season prompts us to contemplate our mortality and the transient nature of our earthly existence.

Earthly Reflections in Jesus' Parables:

In the teachings of Jesus, the earth features prominently as a symbol of both mundane existence and divine promise. It serves as the fertile ground for seeds of faith, the foundation upon which kingdoms are built, and the canvas upon which the kingdom of heaven unfolds.

Earth: A Sacred Sphere:

Despite its vastness and cosmic insignificance, the earth holds profound significance in the divine narrative. It is the sacred realm from which Jesus emerged, the nurturing womb of His mother, and the cradle of His disciples. Our very beings are woven from the fabric of this terrestrial sphere.

Hope Amidst Mortality:

While Lent invites us to confront the reality of our mortality, it also offers a message of hope. Jesus, who dwelled among us and shared in our earthly existence, promises to return and renew the face of the earth. Our destiny is not elsewhere but here, on this beloved planet that God calls home.

Preparation for Exultant Renewal:

As we journey through Lent, let us embrace the paradox of our earthly existence—acknowledging our frailty while anticipating the joy of renewal. Through reflection, prayer, and acts of penance, we prepare ourselves to exult in the beauty of our earthly dwelling and the promise of resurrection.

Fr. Joe Tetlow, S.J.