When I was growing up, "Passion Sunday" (the fifth Sunday of Lent) always served as a sort of wake up call. It was as if the Church wanted to issue a clear signal that the end of Lent was quickly approaching.

My most vivid recollection of this Sunday was the practice of covering all statues and crucifixes in the Church with purple cloth. The sanctuary crucifix in my home parish Church of St. Mary, Leipsic is huge, and so covering it with purple cloth couldn't be missed.  As is so often the case, removing something (or covering it) can help us to appreciate it all the more.

One explanation for the practice of covering crucifixes and statues is to remove all distractions during these final intense days of prayer before Easter. One author suggests carrying this practice into the home and covering those things that could serve as distractions for us: TV's, mirrors, etc. I can't say I've ever done this, but it seems it would be a powerful reminder of where my focus should be.

What is it that most draws your attention away from your relationship with Jesus? Is there a way of covering it or removing it from sight for the next two weeks?