As we come close to the middle of Lent, I think about the abstinence, the prayer, penance. I think of Lent as a more solemn time. In a resource called “10 Things to Remember During Lent,” Bishop David Ricken notes prayer, fasting and almsgiving as part of Lent, but he also suggests being patient with ourselves as Lent can remind us of our weaknesses. Part of Lent is growing closer to God through prayer. In the midst of all of that, we have today’s first reading from Isaiah. “Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create; For I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people a delight.” We can find joy in all of our Lenten practices and even as we anticipate the crucifixion. There is joy to be found in what may be a renewed time of prayer during these 40 days. There can be joy in charity, in doing something for others quietly. There can be joy in opening ourselves in our brokenness to God, who loves us as we are.

That openness to God and faith can be found in today’s Gospel where the royal official asked for Jesus’s help for his son. He believed without the signs and wonders. Jesus told him: “Your son will live.” I want to have the faith of that royal official, though I know the signs and wonders of what God can do. Sometimes my faith falters or is tested. Let me believe.

For this Lent and beyond, let me pray to find the joy and happiness and to build upon my faith.