Recently we paid off a car we owned with the bank. The title the bank returned with the note, stamped PAID, said the car had 15,000 miles on it when we bought the car. So, 185,000 miles latter we own it free and clear.
I was filled with a sense of accomplishment as I held the note and title in my hand. Of course after a small celebration I put the title in the safety deposit box at the bank for safekeeping. Ironically, the bank still holds the title to our car.
No matter how hard I work, struggle or plan is seems the bank still holds the title. Lent gives me another opportunity to reflect on what I give my life to. I give my life over to a few tons of steel, plastic and rubber of the car. I surrender my life to a box of wires, transistors, and plastic of the TV. I eat as if I’ll never have another meal. I give in to surfing the web for images and thoughts like so many cobwebs strung across a door frame.
During Lent, by fasting I turn off the TV and spend some time in prayer. In prayer I stand face-to-face with God who is the source of everything I need. Giving alms helps me detach and see life in its fullness.
I pray that through these disciplines of Lent I will develop the courage to reclaim my title from the bank.
“A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.” (PS 51:19b)