Lent last year (2020) was interrupted by the pandemic and for many that crisis resulted with Lenten practices going out the window as did much of the Lenten spirit. Unfortunately, the pandemic remains as we enter this Lent 2021. Perhaps, the experience of living with it through this past year may help our resolve to observe our Lenten practices and maintain the spirit of Lent.
The spirit of Lent is summed up in one word, repentance, which is sought by observing three traditional practices: almsgiving (charity), prayer and penance (fasting). With a more intense focus during the 40 days of Lent these practices can help us grow in holiness and remove the wounds of our sins. These Lenten practices can help to heal us and encourage our growth in Christ.
The message of our Holy Father Pope Francis for Lent 2021 is titled: Lent, a Time for Renewing Faith, Hope and Love. The pope refers to Lent as a “season of conversion” in the “journey towards Easter” which is accompanied by the three traditional practices of penance (fasting), prayer, and almsgiving (charity). On these three hinges the door of Lent hangs. Observing these practices in a manner personally appropriate for each of us opens the door for the 40 days journey to Easter.
Penance (fasting) involves self-denial. It’s about giving up — letting go — in order to find more of God in ourselves and in others. There are many penitential expressions of fasting, for example fasting from sweets, drink, gossip etc. Whatever the penance chosen it should open wider your heart to God and to others.
Prayer — time with God. Time given to God. Intimate time. Dedicated time. Time to be with God. Time to encounter God. Prayer inspires, challenges, strengthens, grows and encourages our relationship with the Lord. It needs to be very specific and organized for the 40 days. Prayer can be personal, private, or public, with others in the community of the church.
Almsgiving (charity) is directed to others, especially the poor so that they are seen as members of our own family, as friends, brothers or sisters. It is about giving from what we have because God has given us so much.
These Lenten practices of penance, prayer and charity can help us achieve personal renewal which is the goal of Lent. Pope Francis in his Lenten message 2021 wrote the following about these practices. These “revive the faith that comes from the living Christ, the hope inspired by the breath of the Holy Spirit and the love flowing from the merciful heart of the Father.” During this Lent may our Lenten practices renew us in faith, hope and love.
Lent 2021 takes place during this year dedicated to Saint Joseph. On December 8th Pope Francis issued an apostolic letter, Patris Corde, (With a Father’s Heart) on the 150th anniversary of Pope Pius IX’s proclamation of Saint Joseph as patron of the universal church. I suggest that reflecting on the life and example of Saint Joseph may encourage our Lenten journey and our resolution to practice fasting, almsgiving and prayer.
His life involved self-denial and sacrifice. Saint Joseph raised Jesus, the son of Mary, who was not his son. He raised Jesus as if he was his son. Further, he did what God asked him to do by taking Mary into his home. Both of these decisions involved for him personal sacrifice.
Saint Joseph was a faithful and observant Jew. He taught Jesus how to pray which was the duty of men in those days. He brought Jesus to the synagogue on the Sabbath and the feast days to observe the community of the synagogue in Nazareth at prayer. He listened to the message of the angel. He listened to God.
He was man of great charity which is seen in his role in the lives of Mary and Jesus who were his earthly responsibilities. He cared for Mary with a husband’s heart and for Jesus with the heart of a father. Charity is the work of expanding our hearts of which Saint Joseph is an excellent example. Charity is about giving not from your excess but from all you have as Saint Joseph did with the Holy Family.
This Lent 2021 is a new time for us. May it be a grace-filled time. It is a time that we all need and which we observe according to our personal situation. It is a time in which God calls us to more and better prayer. It is a time to give up (fasting) and a time to give to others (charity).
Let us walk with Saint Joseph during these 40 days. With him as our guide surely we will live Lent 2021 as best we can despite the continuing pandemic and the Lenten spirit will not be lost.
Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, D.D.
Bishop of Camden