Becoming Real
Lent is the perfect time to begin to get real. Becoming real is a life long process. It means that we have attained authenticity, that our thoughts, words and actions are truly integrated. Our yes is yes and our no is no. What we confess with our mouth must be consistent with the manner in which we live our lives.
Saying what we mean and meaning what we say is key to becoming real. Those who persevere in the process of becoming real will have to work daily at cleansing their hearts and actions of prejudice and discrimination, as well as the apathy that allows such injustice to go unchecked. It will require each of us to stand and listen as Moses tells the story of who we are as a people. We speak our own story before God and our brothers and sisters in faith, and we are challenged to acknowledge the good we have done and the good we have failed to do. Becoming real will mean we have to admit our weakness and vulnerability and offer these to God, who will grace us with the strength to face every temptation. Even though it hurts to become fully who we are called to be, it is important for us to make a new beginning.
Lent is a time to renew our baptismal commitment, and baptism calls us to be servants and witnesses, to carry on the mission of Christ today. Lent should lead us to become better servants of others and to reach out to others with the good news of the Gospel. The process of becoming real doesn’t happen all at once. What better time to start than now?
Have a blessed and REAL Lent,
Deacon Ron
