I Don’t Need Lent

I don’t need Lent.

I don’t need to be reminded of my mortality.
I don’t need to be reminded of the sinful and wicked workings of this world.
I don’t need to be reminded that I am a sinner.
I don’t need to be reminded that I am ashes and to ashes I shall return.

I know I will die.
I know this world is full of wickedness and death, suffering and pain.
I know I am a sinner.
I know that I am ash and to ash I will return.

But I need Lent.

I need to know that in Him I am immortal.
I need to know that that this world is not all there is.
I need to know that I am forgiven.
I need to know that from the ashes will bloom the imperishable.

I don’t need Lent. I need Lent.

Thereby, the whole congregation was put in mind of the message of pardon and absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need which all Christians continually have to renew their repentance and faith.