Start of the Lenten season

February 25 marked this year's start of the Lenten season for a predominantly Catholic nation like the Philippines. Lent is a season for reflection; time to examine one’s spiritual position with God. For others, it is a time to thank the Lord for the love He had shown by sending His son Jesus Christ to die for the sins of men. Whatever reasons or manners to observe, this season will only be between you and God.

I believe that this is the time when intentions to know God and to be with God are made. These intentions may be noble nil if nothing is done to attain them. An action is better than a thousand intentions. When Zacchaeus learned that Jesus is coming, he intends to see Him. Zacchaeus, being a small man, had a difficulty seeing Jesus because of the large crowd surrounding Him. Zacchaeus ran ahead to where Jesus was going and climbed a sycamore-fig tree. He had to do something to overcome the difficulty preventing him to attain his desire to see Jesus. He went beyond his good intention; he acted and in doing so, got more than what he desires. Jesus saw him up the tree and asked him to come down because He was going to dine with him at his house. (Luke 19:1-6)

Our desires to see and know Jesus need a step further. We need to act. Jesus never closes His door to anyone who seeks Him. All it took for Zacchaeus to receive the blessing of seeing Jesus was his effort to overcome the hindrances of materializing his intention.

As we observe the Lenten season with the intentions of knowing God, are we willing to act and do something to overcome the difficulties that may come our way in fulfilling these venerable intentions? Are we willing to make sacrifices in exchange of being with God? Are we willing to accept Him in our lives? May God bless us this Lenten Season.