The Season of Lent

As we begin the Season of Lent – a season of reconciliation and renewal – the Church reminds us that we are human beings. ‘Human’ means that we are creatures who are going to die – “Remember man that you are dust and unto dust you shall return.” It also reminds us of the brevity o life. Life is like that little dash on the headstone – which gives the beginning and ending dates in our lives! It asks where are we on that dash? How much of our lives are spent? How much of our lives are left? How well have we spent that part of the ‘dash’ – the years we have already lived?

The Church continually calls us to penance and renewal. We cry out to God: “Be merciful, O Lord for we have sinned.” During the Season of Lent, the Church calls us to do penance for our sins. That means that we make a good examination of conscience and receive the Sacrament of Penance. When we do this, we acknowledge our weakness, limitations and failures. We also realize that we need the grace of God to help us overcome our weaknesses. When we make a good confession, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who gives us the strength to live as children of God, people of the Light.

Another source of strength stressed by the Church is sacrifice. This sacrifice takes the form of fast and abstinence. The Church asks us to fast from flesh meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all the Fridays of Lent. Along with abstaining from meat, the Church calls us to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. That means that we have one full meal and two very small meals on those days. By fasting and abstaining, we are strengthened to overcome our sinfulness and live according to God’s Law. Lent is truly about dying to ourselves – dying to all our addictions and failures – and becoming more like Christ. We rise with Christ over all that keeps us unfree.

Lent, too, is about becoming more conscious about the needs of other people. It is a wonderful time to spend with family in prayer and sharing a meal. There are many blessings in the family gathering to spend time in prayer and sharing a meal. Children need time to talk. Parents provide a listening ear to hear and help the children.

The Season of Lent is not just about us and our families. Lent is a time to make sacrifices for others – to carry one another’s burdens – like the men in this Sunday’s Gospel. By sacrificing one meal a week we can give the value of that meal to someone in need or a worthy cause. During Lent we also have our Rice Bowls. By giving up a meal each week, we can support Catholic Relief Services – which is the official outreach arm of the Catholic Church. It helps people who struggle to have food, water and decent homes. It also helps in time of natural disasters and war. It helps refugees throughout the world. Lent is a time of personal prayer and devotions. Every Friday evening, Stations of the Cross will be held at Precious Blood. It will be preceded by a light meal. Like everything else in life, Lent will come and go, and we will hardly notice. Easter may be a feel-good time, but it can be much more! What kind of a plan do we have to spend our Lent? This is sacred time, a precious gift. We can use it or waste it. Hopefully, individually and collectively our Lent will make a difference in our lives, and Easter will bring us to a new vision of reality, and a deeper appreciation of our faith!

During Lent we will be having a Mission with Father Bill Sneck, S.J. This, too, will be a golden opportunity for spiritual renewal and growth!

Prayer for Lent

God of salvation,

You are quick with your mercy,

And steadfast with your love,

As we begin Lent help us to

Pray with ardor,

Fast with a hunger for you,

And be generous with those in need.

May our Lenten practices turn us from evil.

And instill in us a love for righteousness.

We pray through Jesus Christ,

Our Savior and brother. Amen.

Joyce Ann Zimmerman, C.PP.S., et al

Pray Without Ceasing