The Holy Father has chosen the theme for Lent 2022 – “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all,” (Gal 6: 9-10). The Pope desires us to “sow seeds of goodness so that we may reap a harvest of salvation for ourselves and others in due time.”
During Lent this year, we are invited to obtain a conversion of heart and mind from the world of materialism, and to have a heart of generosity by “sowing the seeds and sharing goodness” abundantly in every person. Our sowing of goodness and kindness can be the size of mustard seeds (cf. Matt 13:31) but when they grow, they will “radiate a light” and spread “a fragrance of Christ’s love” to everyone, everywhere. Therefore, sow goodness for the benefit of others without any self-interest as echoed in John’s Gospel, “one sows, while another reaps” (4: 37).
The Holy Father reminds us that we should not get tired of observing the three pillars of Lent – prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. During Lent, we must not tire of uprooting evil/wrong doings from our lives, and preparing “the soil of our hearts by fasting, watering it by prayer, and enriching it by charity.” For years, evil may be rooted in us, but we need to stand firm in our faith in Jesus Christ and His words. We must persevere in spirit by doing good to others and in return, we shall obtain what has been promised by God – “salvation for ourselves and others.”
(Extract from the Lenten Message of the Holy Father for the Year 2022)
Reflecting on the message by the Holy Father for Lent this year, we realise that while we’re on this life-journey, we face hardships and often tend to give up because of discouragement and failure. We may get tired of doing good, especially when we don’t see or experience any promised harvest. However, St Paul encourages us to continuously sow good and kindness anyway. One day the Lord will say to us at the end of our days, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (MT 25: 21).
We need to do what is pleasing to the Lord and to do the needful for our fellow brothers and sisters. During this season, let us not live our lives in idleness without putting any effort in producing a fruitful and significant Lent. One thing is certain - we will never get tired of interfering in people’s affairs, but we may get tired of doing what is right and what is pleasing to Him (cf. 2 Thess 3: 10-13).
Always remind ourselves that every goodness and kindness that we sow according to what pleases the Lord, will surely reap a harvest of plenty in due time. So, as we begin Lent this year, let us grow in God’s love and love for one another by making this season more fruitful and meaningful.
May Mother Mary’s intercession obtain for us the fruits of the Holy Spirit, especially patience in sowing goodness and kindness. Have a Holy and Blessed Lent!
