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NCPD Principal reflects on a landmark moment for disability advocacy
March 7, 2025
It is a really true statement that time flies. We are already into March 2025 and the season of Lent is upon us. For us Catholics, Lent is the period where we reflect on Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and the time He spent in the wilderness enduring temptation and preparing to start His ministry. It’s a 40-day journey where we engage in fasting and repentance, practising principles of self-discipline, patience and spiritual renewal.
There are many similarities between the Lenten season and gardens: preparation, patience, sacrifice and growth. Just as our gardens must be maintained and cleared from weeds, so must we clear our minds and hearts from the distractions of this world that keep us back from spiritual growth.
We must prune our lives and habits to later reap greater rewards just as we prune our trees in our garden to grow thicker. Finally, we must nurture our good habits and spirituality by fasting, prayer and good deeds in the same manner we nurture a seedling which is growing into a full tree.
As we enter into this season, to keep our minds and hearts fully turned towards the themes of Lent, let’s try the Lenten Gardening Challenge (#lentengardeningchallenge).
During the first ten days of Lent, obtain a Lily plant (symbolising resurrection and new life), a crown-of-thorns plant (representing the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus) or an aloe plant (symbolising healing). Watch them grow and nurture them daily.
For the next ten days (day 10 to 20), create a small prayer space within your garden. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated, just a little area surrounded by a few of your favourite plants and a bench or chair where you can meditate and reflect. You can add a cross or decorate to your liking.
The final part in the challenge, for the last 20 days of Lent, grow plants that represent Jesus’ Resurrection. These include bromeliads which symbolise thriving in challenging conditions with faith and endurance, and bougainvillea where the bright, vibrant flowers can represent the joy and triumph of Jesus’ Resurrection.
Two others are the white orchid and frangipani which both symbolise purity, grace, and new life, much like the lily.
If you are taking up the challenge, hashtag #lentengardeningchallenge on social media (Facebook or Instagram). I am definitely trying it this Lent and looking out for your hashtags!
Send questions to rayannaboodram@hotmail.com
