Grandma Mink was a meticulous house cleaner. Mom reports that Grandma’s weekly cleaning was like most other families spring-cleaning and Grandma’s spring-cleaning was painstaking. Every nook and cranny was scrubbed and polished. Not one single particle of dust or dirt was left when the cleaning was completed. When the work was finished the house sparkled, I’m told.
I find it helpful to think of Lent as a season for spring house cleaning. You know, when instead of just vacuuming around the couch I move the couch and vacuum all around and under it. Spring-cleaning is hard work. Spring-cleaning is not a casual activity, rather it requires planning to gather the supplies and clear the calendar.
Lent is the same way, it is hard work. With the tools of almsgiving, fasting and prayer I name those actions and attitudes that pill up in the recesses of my life and hinder my relationship with God. I throw out the clutter that blocks my view of what God is always doing for me and for the world. I turn off the noise that bombards my senses and drowns out the voice of God.
On this Monday of the first week of Lent, I pray for the strength to persevere with the Lenten discipline as preparation to celebrate fully the Easter Sacraments.
“Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.” (Ps 6:63b)