Grace – Pace– Space

In the liturgical cycle of the Catholic Church, we can always notice how we as faithful followers of Christ are called to live our faith more radically and to build up God’s kingdom. For this purpose, we find that there are seasons that are marked with a specific focus on accompanying the entire Church to go closer to God. In short, the liturgical cycle can be outlined as follows: The seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, and Ordinary Time. The first four are called seasons because they last not longer than the ordinary time and they can also be termed as privileged seasons. It must be quickly affirmed that the usage of the term, privileged, is not to indicate the preference for the seasons to take the upper hand over ordinary time, but rather a reminder for all the faithful to use these moments in a more intense manner. For example, the Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday. The readings of that day carry the tone for the entire season: Repent, Return, and Renew. Hence, we need to journey through the season of lent with this mindset which can be actualized through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Jesus says, “The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.” (Matt 21:43). Thus, our call to build up God’s kingdom is seen in gathering fruits that are obtained by being rooted in Christ. To remain rooted in his love (Cf. John 15:9) is an invitation that we need to respond to on a daily basis. However, our negligence, human weakness, and limitations condition us to get disoriented from this ‘rootedness’ in Christ.

Only in Christ we all become God’ children because apart from him we can do nothing (Cf. John 15:5). This relationship is not based on conditions but on commitment: “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love” (John 15:10). God’s selfless love is reflected in the gesture of sending His only son to the earth as ‘word made flesh’ who desires ‘to dwell among us’ (Cf. John 1:14).

Do I desire to allow Jesus to dwell within me always? This remains a challenge, and a call to respond faithfully. To examine our relationship with God, others, and oneself, the season of Lent gives an opportunity to rediscover and strengthen the same.

The acronym GPS seems to fit very well to remember and journey with purpose in this Lenten season. This season of Lent is also called as ‘season of GRACE.’ Without God’s grace, all our efforts during this season go in vain. We are very much reminded in 2 Cor 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Moreover, in Rom 5:20, we read that ‘where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.’ It is this immeasurable grace that guides us throughout the season of Lent. The second word is PACE. It indicates the time and speed with which we need to journey—forty days. At the same time, we cannot journey alone and therefore, we need the accompaniment of others. This reminds us that we ought to embrace the uniqueness of the other and reconcile with those whom we neglect. The third word is SPACE. In Matt 6:1-18, we read the word of Jesus concerning almsgiving, praying, and fasting. The common phrase repeated three times is “the Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Cf. Matt 6:4,6,18). This space is not to confine oneself from reality but to deepen and strengthen the relationship through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving with humility.

With God’s grace let us rise up, continue to make space, and journey with him at a steady pace. As we begin the third week in the season of Lent, we might get lost, tired, or fall back to the same old habits. Discouragement comes from the evil one. Let us find ourselves by coming back to the senses like the prodigal son (Cf. Luke 15:17). Thus, we can celebrate Easter with the mindset of the father in Luke 15:32 – “This brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” Let us use the GPS – Grace, Pace, and Space, to reestablish firmly our relationship with God, others, and ourselves.