Lent: Springtime of the Spirit

Each year the trees give us a lesson in renewal.

First the bud, then the blossom, and finally the shoot.

Spring dresses the trees in a new robe

And makes them young again.

But this is possible only because in autumn

They let go of their old leaves,

And endured a winter of poverty.

Lent is the springtime of the spirit.

Lord, help us not to be afraid to let go of the old habits,

And to face our spiritual poverty,

In order that you may renew us, and so at Easter

We will feel young again in our discipleship.