Lent – a time of hope and of dreaming

The Mount Cameroon race of Hope is over. As losers, and especially “The landlord” bend their heads in shame and disbelieve over their poor performances the winners are looking forward to the next event with courage and hope.

By Yemti Harry Ndienla

They are now looking at the post race prospect - of building local race clubs as they ready themselves for effective training. Even with their hills and valleys they start looking forward to victory in a mountain where locals take for grated. Instead of using their energy for practice they (locals) prefare doing so for what is called “Mbambe”

In just a few days we as Christians will begin our own training. Call it our mountain race training of sorts – the season of Lent. We begin Lent with a day that marks the beginning of new possibilities and a sense of hope, even as it reveals to us our own weakness, failings and lack of passion for the Gospel. That day is Ash Wednesday. Besides Christmas and Easter, Ash Wednesday seems to be the day when many return, if anything, to feel connected to God and to their community. They may not feel connected other ways, even at Sunday Eucharist, but there is a definite draw and oftentimes a sense of urgency to receive ashes on that day. “It is a time when they feel that they can return home”.

If Lent is our mountain race training then just like our “favorite winners”, we cannot do it alone. Oh, did I say “favorite winners”? Our Lenten journey, our spiritual Mountain race training, is a time of reconnecting to God and one another… all for the sake of the Kingdom. It’s amazing how a smudge on the forehead has such a power in the life of those who call themselves Catholics. The ashes are received by the community as a community. The scripture reading for Ash Wednesday are packed with images of a community: a community prayer – together; a community repenting - together; a community as ambassador – together. We receive many things at different levels during Lent.

As we see, welcoming and welcoming back are important in our celebration of Lent. Maybe that attitude of hospitality can be the hallmark of our Lent this year. Certainly we must fast, pray and give alms, but let’s fast from fear of the stranger and judgment towards the ones who struggle; let’s pray for those who are returning (maybe even fearfully) and let’s give the alms of our hands and our hearts in a spirit of “welcome home” and “welcome back”.

Lent – a time of hope and of dreaming. Lent - a time of reconnecting to God and one another. Lent – a time of coming home. Lent – our training.