This year, Lent ambushed me. Not by avoiding the biscuit aisle in the supermarket, not in prayer — but elbow-deep in a cardboard box, holding letters I hadn’t read in decades.

I am currently preparing to return to my home city of Adelaide after spending more than 30 years in Sydney.

Apart from a library of books and clothes, over the years I have kept cards, letters, diaries and workbooks, most of which I’ve never revisited.

My Lenten purge

My fasting this Lent took the form of ‘moving on’ a huge accumulation of correspondence, some dating back to the 1980s.

Before I consigned each piece of correspondence to the bin or shredder, I decided to read it one last time.

So began the purge, the letting go, a task I started with trepidation, anticipating it to be both onerous and time-consuming.

But a surprise was in store.

Memories rise to the surface

As I read a myriad of cards and letters, rich memories began to surface – courses I’d taught, seminars I’d facilitated, and most especially meals I’d shared.

Births I’d rejoiced in, challenges I’d overcome, and losses of loved ones I continue to mourn.

I realised that over the years, I have engaged with thousands of people. Perhaps I helped them grow in appreciation of the wonder and gift of our church’s liturgy. But more importantly, each of them enriched my life in varied and powerful ways.

I experienced a mix of emotions – the loss of family members, aunts and uncles, my mother, father and brother; and often untimely deaths of friends, colleagues and seminarians.

As well, I remembered the joyful times over coffee or a meal when acquaintances became friends who continue to enrich my life.

A heart overflowing

When I arrived in Sydney, I came with four suitcases, ready for a new adventure. Now I return to Adelaide with many more suitcases and a heart overflowing with memories.

These memories speak to me of a God who is gracious and tender, compassionate and nurturing, who embraced me in times of sadness and loss, and celebrated my achievements with joy and laughter.

A God of faithfulness who stood by me in the journey through the love of all those I’ve encountered.

Gratitude and praise

This year’s Lenten discipline has indeed been a blessing. In the midst of a world full of destruction and mayhem, the hope of Christ’s resurrection continues to grace us in the ordinary.

For this, I am full of gratitude and praise.

• Carmel Pilcher RSJ, PhD is a Liturgy and Culture Consultant and Educator, Darug and Gundungura country.