Lent Is Coming (03/03/2025)

I know you are as aware as I am that Lent begins this Wednesday. Tomorrow, across the world, people will gather for one last “revelry” before the fasting and abstaining begin. Rio and New Orleans will roll out their final hurrah. So, we have a couple of days to consider what we will do this Lenten season that has the potential to be transformative.

There are two differing opinions about Lent. Some see it as exclusively a time of “doing without” – a time of fasting, abstaining, a time of less. But others see it as a time to add, “doing extra” – a time of volunteering, of helping, a time of more.

For the first 42 years of my life, I was strictly a “doing without” girl giving up things that brought my pleasure like candy or sweets in general. But then, as I began to study the Hebrew Language in my Scripture studies at the university, I learned that in the Jewish culture one adds rather than subtracts when it is spiritual. And example is the Menorah – every night an additional candle is lighted during Hanukkah.

So, now I fast – no food between meals. I abstain from meat on Friday. But then I find a need or several needs and take them on during Lent. If we take our baptism as a sharing in Christ’s ongoing mission as priest, prophet and king, there are so many things we could consider:

1. Priest:

a. Add time to daily prayer.

b. Pray for those whom you’ve promised to pray.

c. Attend daily mass during Lent.

d. Attend Stations of the Cross weekly.

e. Learn to pray the Liturgy of the Hours.

f. Learn a new prayer every day.

2. Prophet:

a. Study the scriptures.

b. Join a scripture study group.

c. Read the writing of famous saints like “The Dialogue” by Catherine of Sienna or “Interior Castle” by St. Teresa of Avila.

d. Read Pope Francis’ “Joy of the Gospel/Evangelii Gaudium.

e. Seek to share your faith with others daily in conversation.

3. King:

a. Find service opportunities within the parish or broader community to support.

b. Seek to meet members of your community.

c. Write cards of support to parish staff members.

d. Write cards of caring support to people you know are struggling at this time.

So, Lent is coming. It is only two days away. Have you figured out your Lenten journey? Have you decided on what you add? What you will take away? Time is running out.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.