Are you ready?

Who dost bid thy faithful people cleanse their hearts, and prepare with joy for the Paschal feast; that, fervent in prayer and in works of mercy, and renewed by thy Word and Sacraments, they may come to the fullness of grace which thou hast prepared for those who love thee.

Preface for Lent

This is one of two prefaces to Holy Communion to be recited during Lent. It pretty much sums up what Lent is about -- getting ready for Easter. Most people probably think preparing for Easter is about clothes or a special meal. This preface makes it clear that a different kind of preparation is what God desires. And when we realize how hard it is to get ourselves ready for new life, God's grace helps us to finish the task.

Even though we're getting to the last days of Lent, this sort of preparation is best undertaken throughout the year. Experiences of resurrection take place through all seasons.