The 38 word in my Lent lexicon is:
CALLED.
There are two aspects of “CALLED” that we reflect on during Lent. The first is God’s call to us. We hear this repeated throughout Lent from Ash Wednesday’s call to return to the God who loves onwards. It is with us throughout Lent.
There is another aspect of “CALLED” that is equally important in Lent. It’s a time for us to acknowledge our need and to call out to God for help. At the burning bush God promises Moses that the cries of suffering people are heard.
We hear this again and again throughout Lent as the people struggle through their desert experience. But the invitation to call on God in times of need and suffering is not only a part of our history, it is an invitation made to each one of us today. Today’s responsorial psalm repeats this invitation:
“In my anguish I called to the Lord; I cried to God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.”
We all face hard times, we all suffer and sometimes feel overwhelmed by our suffering just as the ancient Israelites did. The psalmists’ words are a timely reminder that we too can turn to God in our times of need, trusting that God will hear us and respond to our call.
That offers consolation when we are all too aware of our vulnerability in the face of our challenging and uncertain times.
Where do you feel the need to call out to God for help in your life this Lent?