A Reflection on the Upcoming Season of Lent

Lent starts early this year, with Ash Wednesday falling on February 18th. As I prepare myself for the upcoming Lenten season, I can’t help but think about a certain habit of mine that I have developed throughout my life. I am always early! Even my birth was early. I was born almost 2 months early, about a month and a half.

For many other things throughout my life I was always early. After my parents and I moved within walking distance to my school, I was always early for classes. Being early for school gave me the chance to help any other students who were also early with any last minute problems they had on their homework, or I would help the teacher get the classroom prepared for the day’s lesson. I even carried this up to college…I helped my professors with any assistance they required. For every job I have held, I always showed up early for work. I’d arrive anywhere from 15 to a half hour early so I could see what the day held for me and to get myself prepared so I could get right to my work once I clocked in for the day. I am also early for parties and get-togethers. I would help the host get things set up, snacks in bowls, punch made, party favors properly packaged or wrapped.

Lent is about preparing ourselves for the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. With it being early this year, it also makes me think that we should keep ourselves prepared for His second coming all the time because, even though we do not know the day or time of His coming, for all we know it could be sooner than later. Who knows but God what tomorrow holds for us? For all I know, tonight could be the last night I have on this green earth. If that is the case, I am making sure that I am prepared now for when I do finally meet the Bridegroom. My wick is trimmed, my oil lamp is full. I am doing my best to be one of the sheep instead of the goats. I hope and pray that everyone else is also. God bless and God keep all of you.