Lent: Towards the freedom only Jesus can give

'Friends, as Lent beckons this year, we find ourselves bound by bonds of fear and fatigue, as this pandemic continues to bite hard into our lives.

Lockdowns continue, plans are spoiled, our futures seem to be on hold.

Don’t we long for a pathway out of this ordeal – perhaps hoping that a vaccine might offer some small relief. But truly, our current circumstances do not allow us to live freely, as we want.

When Jesus was born among us, it was said that God had come to his people, precisely to set them free. Jesus would win this freedom. We believe this. But not by unrealistic features or empty promises, but by taking the path of humility and suffering to his passion, death and resurrection. So our freedom has been won for us, by way of the forgiveness that he offered to us.

So truly, Jesus has opened to us a surprising but true path to freedom. He has won through already to a life that frees us from our burdens, by means of his humble self-giving on the cross.

Our Lenten journey this year opens up before us not as a false path around our current circumstances, but a true path in the midst of our circumstances. With practices of prayer, fasting and self-giving to hone our resolve and with trust, hope and mercy to guide our way, Lent opens up a pathway towards the true freedom we long for, but which only Jesus can give.

So let us hold on to Jesus this Lent, that he might lead the way.'

Archbishop Peter A Comensoli