I look forward to my annual spring cleaning. I enjoy opening the windows while I clean deep into the forgotten corners of my home. I rummage through drawers and cupboards eliminating all old, worn and unnecessary items. It’s hard work, and I’m always amazed at how much useless stuff I manage to accumulate.

  

I’m grateful for the opportunity to clean up, throw out and prepare for a new season. I am equally grateful for the season of Lent and the opportunity to employ a similar process in my spiritual life. I rummage through and deep clean the forgotten corners of my mind and spirit to find what useless stuff I’ve allowed to accumulate there. Often, I find that I hold on to jealousy, hurt feelings or resentment. Through focused attention and prayer, I am able to use this season to purge spiritual clutter from my life.

  

Jesus Christ spent the period before his crucifixion in prayer and meditation preparing for his resurrection. We can prepare for the commemoration of our Lord’s resurrection in the same way. Through this practice we can experience renewal.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, give us the wisdom to recognise what needs to be eliminated from our lives, and the strength to follow through. Amen