With our foreheads streaked with black ashes in public recognition of our sinful human nature and our need to change and to grow spiritually, so begins the season of Lent. A grace-filled season of 40 days that invites us to change; to intentionally attend to our lives in Christ; to get right with God and others. The clarion call of Lent is heard on Ash Wednesday: Turn to the Lord; for some, return to the Lord.
It is a 40-day program, and the length of 40 days for some can be challenging. Forty days – like the 40 days of Jesus in the desert in preparation for his public ministry, during which he was challenged, but emerged victorious and ready to begin his salvific ministry. For us, Lent is a desert time and can be challenging. From it, may we, too, emerge victorious.
The door of Lent swings on three hinges. They are tried and true traditional practices:
1. Prayer. Time with and for God. More time. Better time. Dedicated time. Making time for God alone, despite our busy lives.
2. Fasting and abstinence. Time with and for ourselves. Time for self-denial. Time to give up, to sacrifice – perhaps food, drink, treats, staying away from what we overuse, e.g., television, technology.
3. Charity. Time with others. Time for others. Time to reach out beyond ourselves. Sharing what I have with those who do not have; reaching out to the poor and needy.
Commit yourself to these three traditional disciplines of Lent, and you will benefit spiritually and grow in Christ during these 40 days. Yes, they involve personal sacrifice and commitment of will. Yes, they work if you work at them.
Preface 2 of Lent reminds us that our Lenten practices can “give us strength to purify our hearts, to control our desires and so to serve You in freedom.” There are other Lenten practices to consider.
Lent is a customary time to receive the Sacrament of Penance. Check the schedule at your parish. Some deaneries organize penance services in one of the churches in the deaneries. Usually, there are numerous confessors available.
During the Fridays of Lent, pray the Stations of the Cross. This devotion walks with Jesus as He walks to his Death on the Cross. You walk with Him and pause at each station. The stations prepare us for the great Friday of Lent, Good Friday, the commemoration of the Death of the Savior on the Cross.
Participation at daily Mass during the Lenten season is a great practice for those who are able to schedule it. Reflecting on the daily Mass scriptures with their specific themes is a very beneficial way to spiritually grow in Lent.
Reading a “spiritual” book, such as, the life of a saint, helps to focus these 40 days on bettering our spiritual lives. The saints were sinners, like us. They did not live perfect lives, nor do we. The stories of their lives connect to the stories of our lives. They achieved holiness, and their example can encourage us to do the same.
Participate in the Rice Bowl Collection, sponsored by the bishops of the United States. Your deposited coins add up, and joined to the offerings from hundreds of Rice Bowls around the Diocese, realize significant monies that find their way to assisting the poor around the world through Catholic Relief Services.
The question for your consideration is: What are you going to do for Lent in order to grow in holiness and to arrive at Easter renewed and refreshed in Christ? It is up to you to respond to that question. To make your decision about your engagement with God’s grace in the season of Lent. During these 40 days, may you go from ashes to better life in Christ.
Have a blessed Lent!
Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, D.D.
Bishop of Camden