One of the things that is often confusing about Lent is the fact that many churches during Lent will avoid the prescribed readings of the year - instead use Year A - those scriptures more focused on those planning to enter the church at Easter. Normally the Sunday scriptures follow a three year cycle of A - B- C. This year we are in Cycle-C - for churches who have candidates in the RCIA program - the option to use Cycle-A often taken - Cycle-A lending it self more closely to - water - light - new life - as those candidates prepare themselves for baptism - confirmation - Communion. Like many things in life - specific - prescribed cycles - exist. Just as one typically starts riding a tricycle when young - providing a secure basis - three points - creating balance - preparing one for future cycling - so does the three year cycle of scripture help to create a spiritual balance.
At this point in Lent - all of us should have experienced that feeling of being balanced in our journey. We have less than two weeks before Lent ends and we enter the holiest three days of the Christian calendar - the Triduum. If we haven't gotten serious yet - this is the day to get focused - stop making excuses - getting down to the work that is Lent. No more excuses - no more delays - today we pick up ourselves - make a commitment to make the most of the few days we have left. God calls each of us - everyday - He speaks our name - today is the day when we finally respond to His call. Here I am Lord - I come to do your will.
Deacon Dale
