The End of Our Longest Lent, by John Zmirak

By John Zmirak, The Stream, April 7, 2020

This time of silent streets and police-enforced solitude, of contamination phobia and social distancing, can serve as a kind of desert in which we can end this Lent. And have some hope for Easter. You just need to know where to look. I hope that each of us is doing what he can for those around him. That we’re all still remembering to pray, even without fellow congregants or candles, or choirs and waving palms.

Jesus prayed alone in the desert for 40 days, stripped not just of followers but even friends. Have we ever really thought about how lonely He must have been? He faced bright, alluring angels who preyed on His human weaknesses with taunts and empty promises. Everywhere we walk, save into sin, He walked before us. We can see His footprints, and follow.

Face It. It’s Fear.

Most of us are frankly afraid. Let’s just admit it. Courage isn’t rashness, or the simple lack of fear. It’s control over our passions, the fact that we love something more than even our mortal frames. It’s knowing what bullets and shells can do to a body, but marching forward anyway, if only to help our fellow soldiers. ….

Read more here:  https://stream.org/the-end-of-our-longest-lent/