Lent is typically not the time in the liturgical year to talk about abundance. So, it’s ironic that this year, I am becoming more and more aware of generous abundance in my life during this season where, in so many ways, we are stripped down to the essence of who we are. In no small way, I believe that this simplicity of living leads to generosity of spirit because we come to more fully see and know the presence of God in our midst.

I am becoming more and more aware that scarcity raises awareness of abundance. We remove, and we see with fresh sight how much we still have. We give away, and blessings are abundantly bestowed. We make ourselves vulnerable, and we find mercy in abundant supply. This is the abundant generosity of Lent.

For Generosity

May you feel the emptiness of giving away
something that you value and cherish;
May the pangs of your missed treasure
heighten divine joy when another receives.

May you feel the palpable yearning
that has kept you tethered to desire;
May your spirit come alive with delight
when you realize how much love enfolds you.

May you have the courage to give generously,
and the faith to receive generously.
May you risk emptying your heart,
and experience the wholeness of being beloved.

May your own generosity reveal to others
Divine grace that is not earned, or demanded, or possessed.
And may the lavish generosity of Spirit
Keep us ever mindful of the Source of all abundance.