The Wizard of Oz, and the classic movie loved throughout the world, is called “The American Fairy Tale.” It’s a quest story. The quest is completed after Dorothy, Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion defeat evil (the witch of the West) and are rewarded by the Wizard of an ideal city, Oz. Before they go into the audience with the wizard to receive their rewards, each of these pilgrims is “polished.” They get cleaned up and dressed up, and the lion has his mane curled. Human life is also a quest, isn’t it? We try to find our purpose, always looking for something that seems missing, or more of whatever it is we think will bring us satisfaction. And if we are people of faith, at some point we join our quest for our purpose in life with Jesus’ vision of The Kingdom and with his way of life, his way of being human. But we live in social environments that make it difficult to be steady in our quest to find the kingdom and live as kingdom people. So our ancestors in faith developed a season for reflection, for course correction, for getting “buffed up” a bit. Here is how it is put in the opening prayer for the first Sunday of Lent: Grant, almighty God, through the yearly observances of holy Lent, that we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ and by worthy conduct pursue their effects. Lent is a season of reflecting on growing again in our relationship with Christ and letting that relationship change us and our ways of being with others. This all will mean something different for each of us, depending on our present spiritual life, on how things are going for us. It is traditional to take an action during Lent. But note, it’s growth we are after, not necessarily penance! What needs buffing in your world?
— Blog entry by Sister Mary Garascia
Thank you, sister, for your blog! Somehow the thought of getting buffed up for greeting. Our Lord at Easter makes lent, feel happier and more exciting for me!