The blooming of the abbot’s orchid, featured in today’s photo, holds hope of the coming of Spring.
Daytime temperatures here are now reaching near 60 degrees, though nights are in the low 40s. Clearly the earth is awakening from slumber as the days are lengthening.
This calls to mind that our word “Lent” comes from the same root as our words “length” and “lengthening.” Hence, a fitting word for the holy season beginning on Ash Wednesday this week. Of course, the reference to longer days works for the Northern Hemisphere, but not the Southern, as the days there are now becoming shorter!
In nearly every modern language the season of Lent is referred to in reference to its lasting 40 days: “Quaresima” (Italian), “Cuaresma” (Spanish), “Careme” (French), etc. In any case, Lent is quickly approaching, providing another opportunity to draw nearer to the Lord in our daily lives.
Lent concludes with the celebration of Easter on April 20th, hopefully when Spring will be in full swing.
May the Lord grant us all a fruitful Lent this year, one that yields a truly joyful Eastertide!
Be assured of our prayers and please keep us in yours. Thank you.
Abbot Christian and the monks
