A little over two months ago, we were celebrating the birth of our Lord at Christmas with joy, laughter, food and festivities.
But, now we are in the season of Lent.
Usually, we respect this time of the year by fasting and giving up something in honor of Jesus’ 40 days and 40 nights in the desert. So, some may try to give up chocolate, while others may refrain from using a social media platform. Either way, while these practices strive to teach us self-control, these restrictions we place on ourselves seemingly cause us to equate the season of Lent to a season of suffering.
In other words, giving something up can make us miserable because it’s simply a hard task to do. Likewise, if we are unsuccessful with our goals, we may become disheartened and disappointed with ourselves.
However, Lent doesn’t have to be this way and, in fact, it’s not supposed to be this way.
Rather than be likened to a time of suffering, Lent, like Christmas, can be a time of celebration.
In particular, these 40 days and 40 nights are meant to be a time of reflection and growth. We are called to examine ourselves and our behaviors, correcting our wrongs through God’s grace. We are called to search for Jesus in the desert and to consequently grow closer to Him so that after Lent, we may praise our Lord, singing, “Hosanna in the highest!”
Perhaps this idea can best be summarized by relating it to the homily I heard on Ash Wednesday.
In what was supposed to be a short address, the priest entertained us for about ten minutes, offering a Lenten practice for us all to undertake. Rather than giving something up, he proposed that we add something to our lives this season: gratitude.
For instance, we may say “thank you” a million times a day, but do we really mean it? Conversely, we may be so busy that those words never escape our mouths. So, beginning during these 40 days and 40 nights, the priest encouraged us to see God in our lives and thank Him for His gifts.
Thus, each morning we wake up, tell God “thank you” for another day of life. Furthermore, when we eat a meal, thank Him for the food.
Of course, this gratitude ought to extend to our brothers and sisters as well. So, if someone gives us a card, say “thanks” and display the card so that whenever we look at it, we think of that person. Or, if someone simply holds the door open for us, express gratitude and aim to reciprocate that act for someone else.
Overall, the point is that thankfulness spreads positivity and generates happiness, creating unity among us and with God.
Simply put, the point of Lent is to establish reconciliation. In other words, this time allows us to restore our relationships with each other and to refocus our lives on Christ while preparing for His death and glorious Resurrection.
So, don’t let this season be one of suffering. Instead, make it a season of celebrating life, love and God.
Sincerely,
Ash
Sincerely, Ash 