Our 2020 Lenten Symbol

Our Lenten symbol this year, once again, is the cross. This year the cross we’ll carry home isn’t wooden. Instead, it carries within it the potential for life.
 
Woven within the special biodegradable paper of each cross are seeds, so that when the cross is planted in soil, it has the potential over time to flower. For this to happen, it requires sun. It requires light.
 
When it comes to the spiritual symbolism of Lent, we know that for any change to happen in our lives—for any kind of substantial growth—we need the help of a different sun: the Son of God, the light of the world.
 
Lent is a time for soul searching. It can be a time for tackling bad habits, reinforcing good ones (like prayer or service), or a combination of both.
 
It can be a time of renewed interest in the mysteries of Christ and our Catholic faith. A time that leads to reading, thinking, praying and reflecting.
 
Lent isn’t meant to be a stagnant time, but a time for something to come to life within. Like a seed planted in rich soil, it takes time to germinate. Then one day, we see new life come to the surface and grow.
 
The cross leads us to the end of Lent and to the cross. But Lent leads into Easter and to a life with Christ that never ends. It’s time to grow.