40Days2011: ". . . But with their patience worn out by the journey the people complained against God and Moses . . ."

Our Lenten journey’s end is in sight and like the Israelites we’ve probably moaned at times about the struggle of it along the way. Maybe now we’re looking forward to taking up the things we gave up. It's easy to fool ourselves that by observing Lent – denying ourselves particular pleasures, and making fine-sounding resolutions – God is more concerned with what we shouldn’t do than what we should. Deep down we know that Lent should be more than this: a time of prayer and reflection, for self-examination and renewed commitment. There is a very real place for self-denial but it is also a place for affirming and celebrating life in all its fullness.

This springtime season of Lent is a time to examine ourselves; to assess the health of our faith and to nurture it. These forty days give us the opportunity to consider our baptismal calling; to reflect upon our discipleship, to know God and ourselves better, to seek God’s will, to strengthen our commitment to serve God more effectively.

Every day, not just in Lent, we are presented with choices; between right and wrong, good and evil, life and death. We know the way we ought to take. If we take the time to listen to God rather than the voices that surround us, we can respond with courage and truth to face the choices life brings.

While there’s time left this Lent make more room for God,

so that He can work in our lives and enrich our experience of

His Love.