Scott Hahn, founder of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, reflected on the significance of Lent in a statement released on Mar. 17. He described Lent as a period when believers are shaped by God, much like clay in the hands of a potter.
Hahn said that even late in Lent, there is still time and grace available for personal growth. He referenced the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah, who depicted God as a patient potter molding his creations: “Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and are our potter; we are all the work of your hand (Isaiah 64:8).”
He acknowledged that many enter Ash Wednesday with good intentions but may stumble along the way. Quoting Jeremiah 18:4, he said, “And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.”
Hahn emphasized the importance of mercy during this season. “It is a mercy to live as you and I do. It is a mercy to have the traditions we have received from the apostles through the saints. It is a mercy that we can go often to the sacrament of confession. It is a mercy that we can live Lent and Holy Week together every year,” he said.
He encouraged perseverance as Holy Week approaches: “God never tires of forgiving us; it’s we who get tired of asking for forgiveness.” Hahn concluded by reminding readers that Lent prepares individuals to become vessels of holiness and grace: “Lent has been forming us for the task — molding clay into lamps — molding sinners into saints. As the month ends, we’ll have so many reasons to celebrate God’s mercy.”
