Daily Meditation for February 9, 2026

As we inch closer to the season of Lent, a certain dread comes upon me—not another year of “I’m going to,” followed, at the end of the season, by “oops, I guess I didn’t.” Maybe I focus too much on what I do and not enough on what reality and God call me to do. We are called not to be famous but to be faithful. Maybe Lent is really to be a myriad of small things. What should I do this year?  With so much pain, uncertainty, and fear all around, maybe I should wipe away as much pain as possible. Can I volunteer? Could I eat the leftovers that are served to me or still in the fridge without grumbling? Could I offer to donate or solicit for a cause? Could I help or substitute for someone? Might I cheer someone on with a happy greeting? After all, the term “Lent” simply means lengthening (of light, i.e. daylight). Could we, together, lengthen joy and well-being around us?

By Judy Kramer, OSB