Lenten Snow Melt

Yesterday was still very cold. The snow and ice lay on the ground. Today the snow and ice are melting under a warming sun, and slowly but surely being forced to retreat. Is not this the picture of Lent itself? Under the bright sun of our Lord's Passion, under the warmth of His loving embrace, the sin in our hearts and lives is forced to retreat, to back off. Hardened hearts begin to melt under our glorious Sun of Righteousness, and life begins to stir. I am reminded of St. Augustine's wise words: "Brethren, that we may be healed of sin, come let us fix our gaze upon Christ crucified."