The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22. Lent is a season of penance focused on deepening our relationship with God and recalling the effects of our Baptism into Christ.
The Scripture readings assigned for that day include the clarion call of the prophet Joel, who reminds us, “Blow the trumpet; sound the alarm.” (Joel 2:1) With insistence, the prophet Joel writes, “Even NOW, says the Lord, return to me.” (Joel 2:12) The prophet’s message urges us to take immediate spiritual action. “NOW,” this Ash Wednesday, we begin this Lenten journey.
What is the spiritual response for which is called our immediate action? It is to do the mandate assigned by Saint Paul in the second reading for Ash Wednesday: “Be reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5:20) In the tradition of the prophet Joel, Saint Paul reminds us that reconciliation with God is to happen “NOW.” “NOW is the day of salvation. NOW is the very acceptable time.” (2 Cor.6:2) “NOW” the work of this Lent begins. What is involved? Putting into practice, in some form, the three traditional Lenten practices: prayer, penance and charity.
The origin of the English word Lent has to do with springtime, when the renewal of nature takes place. The blossoming flowers and the leaves budding on the trees are evidence of new growth. Just as the Phillies go to Florida for spring training, so do we need the spiritual spring training of Lent. A well-lived, earnestly practiced, purposeful entrance into Lent can be our spiritual springtime – a time to grow in Christ, turn more fully to God and focus on our Baptism.
Sacrificing, giving up, fasting, better praying – doing these NOW with a proper spirit – can renew our relationship with God. Giving up or emptying ourselves of anything that works against the grace of Christ in us. Sacrificing or giving ourselves can result with growth in holiness. Turning toward God, arranging for time freed of distractions to increase our awareness of the presence of God. Practicing these in a doable form that is adapted to our personal situation in life can have beneficial spiritual results in and for us.
For example, giving up (fasting) the time involved with constantly checking social media. Using that time to reflect on the Scripture readings assigned by the Church for that Lenten day may help us pray better and grow in Christ. Giving up candy, dessert, sweets – denying ourselves in order to use what is saved from self-denial to help others. This is to practice the Law of Christ, charity. Participating in a religious program offered by your parish – for example, Stations of the Cross or a Bible study group – can provide us time with God and help our prayer life.
The Church obliges those ages 14 through 59 to observe these Lenten practices. (cf. the Lenten Regulations at the bottom of this page.) However, all of us can observe the Lenten practices in some manner. Children, teenagers and senior citizens can get into the spirit of Lent with the spiritual goals of growing in Christ and turning more to God. Perhaps your situation is better served by one-day-a week involvement with the spiritual practices of this season. For some, 40 days might be too daunting. Select what you can really commit to.
As is popularly said, give it your best shot. Looking more deeply at yourself and your relationship with God can be challenging, but worth the effort for the Lenten time of renewal that begins NOW this Ash Wednesday.
Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, D.D.
Bishop of Camden