Today’s readings speak of the covenant made between Abraham, the Lord, and His people. For me, theses readings come at a very appropriate time in the Lenten season and serve as a great reminder for me. It is common for Catholics to giving up something or strive to do something more during Lent in preparation for Easter. This can been seen as a covenant that one makes with themselves in an effort to grow closer to God.

When thinking of the word covenant, a few other words come to mind. Two of these words are promises and goals. I think of the many promises that I have made to myself and with others. These promises of sorts are often made with larger goals in mind. For example, during Lent I have made a promise with myself to journal more regularly. In doing so, it is my hope that I will deepen in my faith, and thus grow closer with God and those around me. It is my hope that this will allow me to celebrate the Easter season in a new way and more fully. Covenants may be large, like the one made between Abraham and the Lord in today’s reading, or seemingly small, like the ones that we may have with ourselves or those around us. Whatever size they are, all these covenants are meaningful and allow us to continually grow as individuals and in our relationships. As the Lenten season comes to an end, let us recall the covenants that are present in our lives and be mindful of them as we prepare to celebrate Easter.