By Dr. Eddie Capparucci

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season — a sacred time when Christians prepare their hearts to reflect on the sacrifice Christ made for us by dying for our sins. It is also a season of anticipation as we prepare to celebrate His resurrection on Easter Sunday.

During this time, I find myself reflecting on something deeply personal: God left heaven to walk among us. Think about that. The Creator of the universe stepped off His throne and exchanged glory for humility. He entered our broken world not as a king demanding loyalty, but as a servant offering love. Why? Because He desired a relationship with us.

Yet what did He receive? He was mocked, rejected, and denied. Ultimately, He was beaten and crucified. Isaiah 53:3 tells us, “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.”

He did not deserve that treatment. But He endured it as part of God’s redemptive plan for our salvation. And here is the uncomfortable question for us today: Are we doing something similar to Him — not through persecution, but through indifference? Are we ignoring God?

I will be honest, there have been seasons when I did not intentionally reject God, but I slowly drifted. It did not begin with rebellion. It began with busyness. There were times when ministry work, responsibilities, deadlines, and helping others slowly crowded out my personal time with Him. Ironically, I was doing ‘God’s work,’ yet neglecting God Himself.

My prayers became shorter and less reflective. Instead of sitting quietly in His presence, I rushed through devotionals. Instead of listening, I talked. Instead of surrendering, I did it my way (I feel like breaking out into a song).

And over time, something subtle shifted inside me. I was still believing, teaching and encouraging others to grow. But my heart felt less tender. Drift does not feel dramatic when it happens, instead it feels practical and justified. But neglect always creates distance and that slowly weakens the very foundation we stand on.

It was only when I intentionally slowed down — when I admitted that my relationship with Him had become secondary — that I realized how much I needed to return, not to religion, but to intimacy.

Most Christians would never openly deny Christ. We would never nail Him to a cross. But many Christians quietly sidelined Him. We ignore Him. We say we love Him, but we give Him what is left — the time, energy, and attention — after work, social media, news, and entertainment have consumed our day.

We convince ourselves we are too busy, yet we always find time for what we truly value.

In my work with men struggling with emotional disconnection and addiction, I often see the same pattern: when we disconnect from God, we begin filling that spiritual void with something else. We chase comfort, validation and escape.

But ignoring God does not protect us — it impoverishes us. “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5. He did not say apart from Him you can do “a few things.” He said you can do “nothing.” When we distance ourselves from Him, we lose clarity, peace, and strength. Eventually, we lose the opportunity to experience joy.

Lent is not about religious obligation. It is about relational restoration. It is an invitation to slow down and reflect by examining our hearts. We must be honest with ourselves, “are we any better than the Pharisees and Sadducees in their treatment of Jesus?

“Wait Dr. Capparucci, we are not denying and killing Jesus like they did!” No, we are ignoring Him.

This season gives us the opportunity to give Him the reverence He deserves. And to open our hearts in prayer and worship to renew and strengthen our relationship.

God did not ignore us but instead came here and pursued us all the way to the cross. Let us make sure we are not ignoring Him in return.

This Lent let us fall in love with Jesus again.