Persevering Through Lent: The Gift of Easter Awaits

As we enter the final stretch of Lent, we may find ourselves weary. The sacrifices we committed to at the beginning of this season might now feel burdensome, and our resolve may waver. But now is the time to press on, to remain steadfast in our journey of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Lent is a time of spiritual refinement, a period when we intentionally draw closer to Christ through self-denial and reflection. It mirrors Jesus’ own 40 days in the wilderness, where He fasted and resisted temptation (Matthew 4:1-11). In these final days, we can take comfort in His strength and lean on the grace He provides to finish our Lenten journey with purpose.

Fixing Our Eyes on the Cross

The Passion of Christ reminds us that suffering has meaning when united with Him. As St. Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). This season is not just about our struggles but about transforming our hearts to be more like His. Through our sacrifices, we die to self so that we may rise anew with Him at Easter.

Holy Week is fast approaching, a time when we enter into the most sacred moments of our faith—the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord. The journey may be difficult, but the reward is beyond measure. Christ conquered sin and death so that we might have eternal life (John 3:16). What a glorious gift!

As we meditate on Christ’s suffering, let us remember that He willingly bore the cross for our salvation. “By His wounds, we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Each moment of pain, every tear shed, was out of love for us. How, then, can we not endure a little discomfort in our own lives as an offering to Him? Let our fasting, our prayers, and our acts of charity be transformed into gifts of love given freely to God.

Strengthening Our Hearts in the Final Days of Lent

When our Lenten resolutions feel difficult, we can turn to Scripture and the saints for encouragement. St. Thérèse of Lisieux reminds us, “Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them.” This is our call—to love God in the small and great sacrifices alike.

Consider deepening your Lenten practices in these final days:

Spend extra time in prayer – Attend daily Mass, pray the Stations of the Cross, or sit in silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.

Meditate on Christ’s Passion – Read the Gospel accounts of the Passion (Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23, John 18-19) and reflect on His sacrifice.

Give generously – Almsgiving is a powerful way to unite our hearts with Christ’s mercy. Consider donating to a charity, helping a neighbor in need, or offering your time in service to others.

Seek reconciliation – The Sacrament of Confession is a beautiful way to prepare for Easter. Through it, we receive God’s boundless mercy and are renewed in His grace.

Rejoicing in the Victory of Easter

When Easter morning arrives, the darkness of Lent gives way to the radiant joy of the Resurrection. Just as the disciples rejoiced upon seeing the risen Christ, we too are invited to celebrate the fulfillment of God’s promise. “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6).

The Resurrection is the foundation of our faith. Without it, our faith would be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17). But because Christ lives, we have hope. The empty tomb is proof of God’s ultimate victory over sin and death, and it is an invitation for us to walk in newness of life.

As we step into the Easter season, let us embrace the victory of Christ with grateful hearts. Our sacrifices and struggles are not in vain. They have prepared us to receive the joy of new life, the renewal of our spirits, and the hope of salvation.

Let us also remember that Easter is not just a single day but an entire season. The Church celebrates the joy of the Resurrection for 50 days, leading up to Pentecost. May we use this time to deepen our faith, rejoice in the risen Christ, and share His love with those around us.

The Promise of Eternal Life

The beauty of Easter is not just in its celebration, but in what it promises—eternal life with Christ. “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live” (John 11:25).

This promise is at the heart of our faith. No matter the trials we endure, no matter the crosses we bear, Christ’s resurrection assures us that death does not have the final word. Love triumphs. Life prevails.

As we persevere through these last days of Lent, may we keep our eyes fixed on the empty tomb, knowing that Easter is coming—a gift beyond compare, a triumph of love, and a promise of eternal joy.

May we finish this Lenten season with faith, hope, and unwavering trust in the victory of Christ. Easter is near, and with it, the fulfillment of God’s perfect love for us. Amen.