If I were forced to pick one expression that best summed up the spirit of Lent it would be: “Renew us, Lord!” This is a time of grace and love. This is a time not of “being alone” in the desert, but quite the contrary. This is a time of allowing God to be so present, so totally present, that our lives will be made new through his love. This is God’s time. This is a time of grace.