This season of Lent has a two-fold focus. It helps us to go deeper into the meaning of being baptized persons. It also helps us to experience ongoing conversion and repentance. Both of these Lenten themes appear in the Liturgy today.
Noah’s ark prefigures baptism. Being baptized persons puts us in a kind of ark. Because we are baptized into the saving mystery of Jesus’ death and resurrection we experience saving effects from the grip of sin and death. The gospel today gives us a synopsis of Jesus’ proclamation: “Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
As we begin this season of Lent, reflect on these two themes: How is God inviting you to be appreciative of the saving effects of being a baptized person? How will deeper repentance and conversion (turning to God) be part of your Lent this year?