Covenant and the season of Lent

"This is the time of fulfillment. Repent and believe in the Gospel." (Mark 1:15) A few days ago, we marked Ash Wednesday, a symbolic beginning of the Lenten Season. We received ashes as a sign of our willingness to take another look at our lives, change our ways and bring our human existence in line with God's plan for our future. We expressed our readiness to accept our human limitations, our mortality and our dependence on God. One of the very important themes running through Lent is that of the Covenant (Berith in Hebrew, Diatheke in Greek). In early Hebrew society written documents were very rare; the spoken word carried legal significance and a handshake sealed the deal. Promises made in public could not be easily retracted and everyone involved took them very seriously. The covenant was such a ritual agreement which served the function of a written contract. The parties of the covenant were not necessarily equal; the stronger could impose his will upon the weaker or the victor upon the vanquished. The Biblical covenant was initiated by Yahweh and one of the early Patriarchs, like Noah. In the covenant Yahweh imposes certain duties and obligations towards the people and in return promises guidance, protection and deliverance. Covenant also signified the affection and loyalty of kinsmen. One of the main tasks of the early prophets was to remind the people of their obligations and their only way towards peace and prosperity. All misfortunes that came their way were due to a departure from their covenant promises. 
   In proceeding centuries, Jesus introduced himself as the 'New Covenant' whose outreach extended beyond his own people. May we who are followers remain faithful to that covenant with Him renewing our promises to change the world and ourselves this Lent.