In this season of Lent, what is the Lord asking us to '"leave"? Abram was asked by God to "leave" his country, his people and his father's house. His response? He left. What if Abram did not leave? If Abram did not leave, he would not become "a great nation". He would not be blessed by God. His name would not be great. He would not be a blessing. And peoples on earth would not be blessed through him.

How many of us find it difficult and agonizing (at times) to answer God's call, or to do God's will? Let us look back at our lives and reflect on those times we have hesitated or failed to be and to do whatever God was asking of us. Those times when we had said "No" to God - what were the outcomes? The consequences? How about those times, we had said "Yes" to God? What became of those "Yes" moments?

Lent is a penitential season and a time for a deeper reflection of our lives - what has gone on... what is going on ... what will be coming on ... Through our prayers, fasting, and self-denial, Lent can become for us a grace-filled time for the renewal of our soul and a more focused journey with the Lord. May the example by Abram give us courage to always say "Yes" to God, so that all the blessings God has in store for us and for others may come to us and through us.