It's common today to blame society's problems on "those people out there" -- those people in DC or New York or Hollywood, the members of that political party, or the groups who believe "those things."  "If only those people would change," we think, "then our community and our country would be so much better."

But the Gospel repeatedly challenges us to confront the reflection in the mirror we see staring back at us each morning.  While it would be so much more convenient to blame others for society's many problems, the hard truth is that I am a part of the problem.  The great Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy said, "Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself."

The prophets consistently proclaim to us this difficult message of repentance.  John the Baptist urged his hearers to change their ways, because doing so would somehow prepare the way for them to recognize the Messiah's imminent coming.  

Lent is an opportune time for us to do the same, to let go of our pride and all of our vain efforts to rescue ourselves by our own moralistic self-striving, to recognize our need for a Savior.