As we continue on our journey through this Lenten season, a relatively somber time of the year, it is important to recall the promise and hope that God has given to us. In the second reading today, specifically in Romans 5:16, we are reminded of two very important terms: ‘faith’ and ‘gift’. To summarize the passage, we are promised inheritance of the world through faith, and thus it is faith that makes this gift possible.

Especially during Lent, I think this in an important thing to consider. It can be very tempting to indulge in just one brownie, go out to a restaurant, or bite into a juicy hamburger. "It's been so long since I’ve had one!" you think. But then you remember that it’s Lent! That's why you haven’t had/done this thing. I know I have caught myself several times already. Usually there is at least a little twang of regret, but then it quickly goes away as I remember why I have sacrificed this certain thing. At the most basic level it is because of our faith. We have given up something in order to be drawn into our faith more fully, to bring our faith to the forefront of our life. Through this process, we are reminded of the reason why. So that God could give us a gift, the gift to “inherit the world.” Then it does not seem so difficult to forego something, knowing that the option you are really choosing is the eternal world.

And with that promise in mind, we are called to live out our faith further. Those small Lenten promises draw us more fully into our faith, more fully into the recognition of what we have been promised, but it does not end there. Through our Lenten promises end after 40 days, we are called to continue to live out our faith always in our hearts, minds, and actions.