MY FAVORITE SEASON

Lent is my favorite liturgical season. I like all the seasons, really, but for me Lent is a time of the year that it is easier to be a Christian. It seems to take less effort to give things up, maybe because there is an extra motivation. Jesus said, “Take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). His instruction applies to the entirety of our lives but feels more urgent in Lent. The liturgies of Lent, and the devotions, help us to spiritually accompany Jesus on the way to Calvary. For some, the six weeks of Lent may seem long, but when we look back on Easter we realize how short it is. “For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). For the sake of the joy that lies before us let us sacrifice for Lent.

The Church’s regulations for Lent and Holy Week are minimal but important since they unite us in a collective witness. However, I am sure you agree that each of us should go beyond the minimum. We should ask the Lord, “How would you have me observe this special time?” A good way to discern is to consider the three pillars of Lent: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving.

What should my prayer look like during Lent? Put in a little extra time for meditation? Read a couple chapters of the Bible every day? Attend daily Mass once or twice a week? Visit a shrine? Read the life of a Saint?

What should my fasting look like during Lent? Skip lunch? Give up deserts and snacks? Indulge in less alcohol? Cut down on social media and Facebook time? Waste less time playing video games? Exercise rather than flop in front of a TV?

What should my almsgiving look like during Lent? Increase my tithe? Volunteer to help in a worthy cause? Donate food or gift cards to a food cupboard? Visit or call someone who is alone? Fix something for somebody? Write a big, fat check to a charity?

There are plenty of things we can do that will improve ourselves, but we do not want to make Lent a self-help program. The focus needs to be on Christ and our neighbor if it is to be a true Lenten observance. It must be motivated by gratitude to God for his sacrifice and blessings. Self-improvement, however, can redound to the benefit of others; for example, exercise may result in me having more energy to dedicate to my children. Whenever we engage in prayer, fasting or giving alms, or any act of charity, we know that there is a benefit that comes back to us. As Ecclesiastes says, “Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days” (11:1, KJV). Yet, the focus must be on God.

Maybe Lent can become your favorite liturgical season as well! By increasing our prayer, fasting and almsgiving we will enter the season with enthusiasm and become more of a blessing to others.

FATHER SCOTT