Since tomorrow is the beginning of Lent, I thought I’d share some Lenten thoughts. For me it’s not the gloomy thing some people make it out to be, especially since it’s springtime as it occurs. Yes, it’s a time of penance, but that should be a good thing as we “clean out the attic” and renew ourselves in relation with the Lord. It’s Spring cleaning.
I plan on reading a few books this Lent, including “Death on a Friday Afternoon” by Fr. Richard John Neuhaus. Of course, there are the normal devotions like the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, adoration. Yes, we do these things at other times of the year, but they take on special significance during Lent.
I prefer not to discuss what I’m giving up for Lent. For one thing, I think it tends to focus me too much on “what I’m doing” rather than what God is doing for me. Plus, at least for me, there can be a bit of pride as if I’m saying, “Look at what great sacrifices I’m making.” Truth be told, any sacrifices I make aren’t all the great and there are people in the world who live on a daily basis with greater privations than I ever will. My sacrifices are small and banal beside them.
I do look forward to Lent and am happy to see it come every year, most especially because Easter lies at the other end. There’s nothing greater than celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the first time we sing Alleluia and the Gloria during the Easter Vigil is probably the high point of the liturgical year. So a good and holy Lent to you all as we begin the 40-day journey together.
