Today is the first Sunday of Lent.

We know Lent is about transformation. We are often inspired and motivated but what does it mean to be transformed? Richard Rohr, OFM tells us that if we come to depend on being emotionally inspired or newly motivated, we will need a daily dose.

While the Gospel messages are inspiring and motivating, they are really about re-grounding, re-shaping, and re-directing us at our very core. We may gain an “aha” moment when we are inspired or motivated but real transformation is about more than an “aha” moment.

Transformation shakes us at our foundation and provides us with an alternative self-image, world image, and God image. This, my friends, will reframe our entire reality and transform us.

The word Lent is derived from an old English word meaning springtime. In latin, lente means slowly. Therefore, let us remember that Lent points us to spring and we are invited to slow down and reflect. This intentional reflection prepares us for the Feast of Easter.

Let us also remember that God provides us with the love we need for this transformation. God’s love is complete and unconditional. Let’s reach into our pocket of hope and our pocket of faith to accept God’s love that will open us up to transformation during our Lenten journey.