by Fr. Robert Abbatiello
Peace and all good things to you, your loved ones and your friends!
Ashes. Fasting. Sacrifice. Almsgiving. Prayer. Humility. Penance. Confession. Abstaining. Silence. I suspect for many of us, these are words we often associate with Lent. These are words that may describe our past yearly experiences of Lent, especially for those of us who were students in Catholic schools. While these disciplines certainly resonate with the penitential spirit of Lent, they are not the only lenses through which we might view and participate in this holy season.
Beginning on Ash Wednesday, with the proclamation from St. Matthew’s Gospel (6:1-6; 16-18) and the imposition of ashes on our foreheads, we are invited to make this annual Lenten journey with the Church throughout the world. Of course, we are not alone. It is not a new journey for us. But because we’ve celebrated the season of Lent before, there can be the temptation to approach this special time somewhat half-heartedly. A “been there, done that” attitude doesn’t really help to set the stage for that interior conversion we’re invited to during this penitential season. Remember that it is the interior attitude of Ash Wednesday, rather than the exterior mark with ashes, that is most important. And we must remember that Lent is not a one-day event.
And so I invite you to enter into the spirit of Lent with renewed enthusiasm, with great expectation, and with joy. Yes, joy! Lent is a time for us to prepare ourselves joyfully for the hope and new life which Easter and resurrection bring us. I encourage you to invite the Lord into your heart once again—even more completely this year than last year; even more completely today than yesterday. Allow the Lord to do great things in you and for you. Expect great joy in your spiritual life when you allow the Lord the space to make his dwelling within you.
Lent is a great opportunity for our ongoing conversion, which is a life-long journey. It is a time for turning once again to God who is love, to God who gives us life. Ongoing conversion is our response to God’s love, not an attempt to make God love us. The Scriptures teach us that God already loves us; He loved us first! Therefore, Lent can be for us a joyful response to God’s unconditional, overflowing love for us.
In addition to the words I listed above that we may often associate with Lent, please consider adding these additional words as well for your prayer and reflection during this holy season: journey, healing, hospitality, compassion, faithfulness, generosity, courage. Not only do these words identify different aspects of the Lenten season, but they also remind me of the ministerial service that our friars offer each and every day. And that makes me so grateful for the friendship, prayers, good example, and financial support you offer to the friars in the Province of St. Mary. May God bless you in abundance for your many acts of kindness to us. May the hope and new life promised us by the celebration of Easter be yours in abundance!