Lent is Here!

I was reflecting today on an incident that happened two weeks ago. During our announcement time our pastor was reviewing some upcoming events. He said, "Lent begins Feburary 6. It is very early this year." A lady behind me said enthusiastically, "Yeah!" I was a little taken aback because most people think about Lent as a time of penance and prayer not necessarily something anticipated with joy. Then I had to stop and check my own thoughts. I began to question my assumption. Why do I not look forward to the Lenten season? Why do I think of Lent in terms of sacrifice and things I have to give up?



I do not think that original intent of Lent was to focus on fasting and giving up things. These disciplines are simply means to and end. They are tools in our spiritual tool chest. The practice of fasting brings a spiritual dimension to the ordinary practice of nourishing our bodies. We are to use the time we would normally devote to bodily sustenence to nourish and sustain our spirits. This time honored tradition has been practiced since Biblical times. It provides a time for us to clear our minds of the mundane so that we may focus on the eternal. Likewise the practice of abstaining from certain behaviors, foods or activities is an outward sign of an internal change of heart. Simply giving up something for Lent means little if we do not replace that activity, food or behavior with something that is spiritually edifying. Yet, like all tools these disciplines can be misused.



That is why we hear Jesus speaking today in the Gospel of Matthew, "Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice." Some might interpret Jesus' comments as prohibiting public acts of piety. A careful reading reveals that Jesus is more concerned with the inward attitude of the pious person. Is the act of piety an outward expression of a Godly heart or simply a means to self aggrandizement? Jesus was more concerned about the inward attitudes of the heart rather than the outward acts. It is in the changing of our hearts and attitudes that we can be drawn closer to God.

If we use these spiritual tools properly we can find much happiness, peace and joy during this Lenten season. This fact alone should give us great cause for rejoicing. We as Catholics always celebrate Lent in the full knowledge of the Resurrection. Lent is not a time of mourning; it should be a time to embrace the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. It should be a time of spiritual growth. It should be a time when we can all say, "Yeah! Lent begins today!"