During the season of Lent, many Christians around the world prepare for a time of introspection, self-reflection, and spiritual renewal. Lent is a time for fasting, repentance, and self-denial, in preparation for the celebration of Easter. It is a period of 40 days, representing the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry.

During Lent, many Christians choose to give up something that they enjoy, such as food or social media, as a way of denying themselves and focusing on their spiritual life. Others choose to take on a new spiritual practice, such as daily prayer or reading Scripture. Whatever the approach, the goal is to draw closer to God and to deepen one’s relationship with Him.

Interestingly, the themes of Lent can be found in many different stories, including J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novel, The Hobbit. In this book, the main character, Bilbo Baggins, embarks on a dangerous journey to help a group of dwarves reclaim their lost treasure from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo is forced to confront his own fears and weaknesses, and he discovers inner reserves of courage and strength that he never knew he possessed.

In many ways, Bilbo’s journey is a metaphor for the spiritual journey that we undertake during Lent. We too must confront our fears and weaknesses, and we too must discover inner reserves of strength and courage. Lent is a time to examine our lives, to seek forgiveness for our sins, and to renew our commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God.

Like Bilbo, we may feel overwhelmed and uncertain as we begin our journey. We may encounter unexpected challenges and setbacks, and we may be tempted to give up. But just as Bilbo found strength and courage within himself, so too can we draw on the power of God to help us overcome our obstacles and persevere in our journey.

Ultimately, the goal of Lent is not just to give up something for 40 days, but to deepen our relationship with God and to become more like Christ. As we reflect on the themes of Lent and the journey of Bilbo Baggins, may we be inspired to renew our commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God, and may we discover the inner strength and courage that we need to persevere on our journey of faith.