Lent

Lent is both a time of shedding and adding. Sometimes we can get off focus and it becomes a time of shedding pounds instead of vice. Sometimes it becomes a time of adding weight to our spirituality not piety. This is what we mean by calling ourselves “to the observance of a holy Lent”.

Spring always seems to come during the observance of Lent and the advent of bright colors and textures after what seems to be a bland depressing landscape can often ignite feelings of cheerfulness and excitement. This is always a diversion from Lenten focus for me.

Many outside of the catholic Churches see Lent as a forced rite and therefore is of none effect. This COULD be true if it is done without the full desire of the heart. If you are forced to say a pray it is null if your heart isn’t into it. If you go to Mass with no intention of the heart then you are really wasting your time. If you are observing Lent this year because you HAVE TO, then you are again wasting your time and also are robbing yourself of one of the greatest opportunities for spiritual growth that the liturgical year has to offer.

Lent must be a desire of the heart. When we “shed”, we must be getting rid of vices and desires of the flesh. Desires of the flesh sometimes are seen as inordinate affections or evil intentions. While this is true, it also means a desire to do the things that we want to do without any thought towards God’s Will. These are very simple desires at times. Sometimes television occupies so much of our time that could be spent reading God’s Word. Conversations at the water cooler rob us of valuable prayer time. Sunday ball games take the place of the Sunday Eucharist.

We should use this time to replace our accustomed activities with holy acts. Don’t just plan to “do more reading” or “do more praying”. Set a real goal of praying a specified amount of time per week, possibly on Fridays. Set aside a particular book of the Bible or devotional aid to read during Lent and read a small portion each evening. It is better to commit to a small act done with love and faithfulness than to take on a big task that we can’t fulfill leaving us with a profound sense of guilt at the close of Holy Week.

Lent is a spiritual journey to the greatest holiday of the year for Christians – Easter! Use this time wisely. Make a holy Lent. Make definite plans and stick with them. Find something to shed or fast from like your favorite food or drink. Then prayerfully find something extra to take on like that Bible book or devotion. Stations of the Cross are popular and helpful this time of year.

I promise that if you make a holy Lent out of your own free will and with the consent and love of your heart you will truly celebrate Easter with more joy than you ever have. You will appreciate the sacrifice of our Lord given for us. Your relationship with Christ will benefit and you will become closer to him than ever!

+ Mason