This writing, written in the middle of Lent, encourages us to reflect on the relationship between man and his spiritual life. Lent, a time of prolonged meditation, has a double dimension, both exterior and interior, interacting with the individual’s own sphere. It is essential to approach this delicate question by first defining Lent and its purpose.
This period of forty days preceding Easter represents a time of preparation and interior conversion, where the Christian is called to draw closer to God and to open himself to others through fasting, prayer and charity. Lent, although specific to Christian tradition, transcends denominational boundaries.
It symbolizes the preparation for a major event, the resurrection, and extends beyond the desert, touching every aspect of human life. Biblical references abound as to the meaning of the number 40, evoking the flood, the time spent by Moses on the mountain, or the years of the Hebrews in Sinai. Lent is therefore a time of renewal and spiritual maturation.
Matthew 4:1-11 records Jesus’ temptation in the desert for forty days, highlighting fasting and resistance to temptation as symbols of purification and spiritual preparation. Joel 2:12-13 encourages fasting, prayer, and repentance, emphasizing the importance of returning to God wholeheartedly to receive His mercy and grace. Lent is not only an act of devotion, but also a process of inner transformation.
It opens us to a deeper spiritual reality and leads us to share this grace with our fellow human beings. It is a time of purification and elevation of the soul, where we must concentrate our efforts to beautify our spiritual essence. By confronting the challenges of life, Lent allows us to spread the divine messages revealed to us.
On the metaphysical level we would say that: Lent is like a moment of sacred intimacy where the soul of man, surrendering itself to God, weaves a vital link with its own essence. In this sweet communion with the divine, he discovers a profound transformation, a mystical symbiosis where the truth is revealed to him.
It is a door that opens towards a new life, a fruitful metamorphosis where every fiber of one’s being awakens to the light of truth. Lent thus becomes the gentle breath of divine love, a tenderness that soothes the tormented soul and offers authentic tranquility. In this quest for divine love, each glance at the crucifix becomes a silent prayer, a fiery meditation that protects the soul from the storms of life.
It is a gentle whisper that guides the soul towards inner peace, a heavenly symphony that resonates deep within one’s being. In this sacred period, man becomes the gardener of his soul, lovingly cultivating every part of his being to bloom the flower of eternal truth. Thus, in times of Lent, we must get used to contemplating the crucifix, symbol of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus and the saving grace that results from it.
