How will I be different when Lent is past? In the Gospel for the fourth Sunday of Lent we learn when the man blind form birth cames back from the Pool of Siloam able to see, his neighbors don’t recognize him. John says, “His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said, ‘Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?’
Some said, ‘It is,'
but others said, ‘No, he just looks like him.’”
Following his encounter with Jesus they did not recognize him. This was not a surface make over like people receive on some of the popular reality shows. This was a new person a transformation.
Will my neighbors recognize me when I’ve completed this journey through Lent and celebrated the Easter Sacraments? Will I be different? As I follow the Lenten discipline of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer will I allow my self to be transformed?
I am aware of a change that is taking place. As part of my Lenten practice I bring food and with me to church on Sunday for the food pantry. The first Sunday I brought two cans taken from our pantry. I took two cans I knew we wouldn’t use. As I walked into church with the cans a feeling of embarrassment overtook me. As I reflected on this experience, I thought, “all the wealth I have I only brought two excess cans.”
The next week I brought four cans and I carried them in a bag. Again I took the cans from our pantry but this time I chose the cans based on what I though someone else might need. After taking the food into the pantry box, I decided the next time I went to the store I would shop for the pantry. This Lenten discipline is making possible a change with a new experience of what it means to give alms.
Will I be different when Lent is passed? I will only say, I’m praying for the grace to return from the Easter sacraments able to see.
”The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.” (Ps 46:8)