1.2 Billion

My first Lent had a very personal feeling to it. I was very concerned with my responsibilities and Lenten offerings. I was a little terrified of doing it wrong. Each year I've grown to treasure Lent more, and to look forward to it's coming. This discipline has done much to move me from "I do this in fear" to "I do this for love"--love for God and now love for my fellow churchmen. 

I was not born a Catholic, but came late to the party, as a full grown adult and mother. Things my cradle Catholic friends take for granted still leave me speechless. I am always learning something new and magnificent, but what I love the most is the unified diversity. Growing up in a spiritual world that had a hard time drawing black and white Christians under the same roof, I delight in the knowledge that everywhere in the world the same mass is being celebrated as we all worship together, not just here on Earth, also in Heaven.

Lent is one more way to enjoy our global unity. It's the good-natured complaining, the sharing of tips and tricks, and the cringe when you realize you blew it and let the team down. We are all seeking his glory and to let go of the worldly attachments that mislead us and weigh us down. It's the best way I've found to discover all those things you'd never believe you can do without. I have yet to emerge from Lent the same person, and I know that among my 1.2 billion brethren and sisteren I am far from alone.