On this 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time we also come to observe what was anciently known as Sexagesima Sunday. This name is derived from the Latin word “Sixtieth” for being 60 days prior to Easter. This Sunday, as well as the one before it and after it, serve as a reminder to the faithful that the coming of Lent is neigh.
We also must come to this realization for the Lenten season will soon be upon us. If we do not take care to enter into these most sacred of days then we will find ourself in the midst of Lent without any knowledge of how we go there or where we are going. It is the purpose of Lent to prepare us for the coming of Easter through the practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Our reading from Isaiah 58 provided us with a good “pre-Lenten” checklist. This reading sets our sight towards providing for the needs of others and removing “false accusation and malicious speech” from our midst. Through the undergoing of such goals we allow the light to rise in the midst of darkness.
In the Gospel of Saint Matthew such light is spoken of. It is this light which cannot remain hidden under a bushel basket, but it is set upon a lampstand for the world to see. Likewise, through our intentional entering into Lent we allow the penitential character of this season to take hold of us in order that we may come to renew our baptismal promises that have grown dim.
Over the course of the next two weeks let us identify the bushel baskets that we put in our way. These are the habits, grudges, or distractions that hide our Christian identity. By the time that we come to celebrate Easter may our light not be just a flicker, but a beacon that the whole world is able to see. Let us intentionally enter into Lent to prepare ourself to be a true disciple of the Lord.
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