There are many seasons in the Liturgical Year, and each one is very important and faith powering with its own unique events. The season of Lent is rounding the corner very quickly, so this means the death and resurrection of our Savior are even closer. Lent is a time of preparation. Just as Jesus had prepared for forty days and nights in the desert before suffering His death, we too prepare for forty days and nights for the remembrance of His suffering. Jesus fasted for forty days and nights praying to His Heavenly Father before his crucifixion. We as Catholics follow in Jesus’ footsteps, so we too fast and pray throughout these forty days. This fasting allows us to suffer for the sins of those sinners that maybe have lost some faith in Christ. During this time, we are to give up something that has value in our life just like Jesus gave up His whole life so we all may live with free will today. The season of Lent allows us to walk in His path and prepare for the way of the Lord.
In my own life, I was most fortunate to prepare the way for the Lord in Lourdes, France with classmates in my grade. Just as we give up something valuable during Lent, we can always give up something special for others, not just during the Lenten Season. My classmates and I gave up two weeks of summer vacation to volunteer in missionary work at the Grotto. Here we were given the opportunity to attend mass, Eucharist processions, adoration, and reconciliation every day, and these opportunities were fully accepted. Just like Jesus was in prayer for forty days and forty nights, I was most fortunate for two weeks to be in prayer. We were able to put our lives aside and help those who were in need of help. We were able to assist those into the baths at the Grotto, push those in wheelchairs during the processions, help those on and off the trains coming into Lourdes, and just having a smile on your face and a hand to be held since the language barrier was tough. During my missionary work at Lourdes, my eyes were opened to all the gifts I have that I have taken for granted that not many are fortunate to have. Helping others just like Jesus had saved all of us can help us lead other to see the true presence of Our Savior.