Many will think we are talking about Christmas with all its' beautiful things
that we see. Well, in a way, yes, because without this there can be no
Resurrection and the beginnings of Christmas are brought together by the
story of Lent.
Instead of just thinking of what to do during Lent, let think of the wonderful
story of Lent and the tremendous liturgies of the Church along with those
stories. Of any time of the year we only get the beautiful liturgies of Holy
Week at the end of Lent - the processions of Palm Sunday - the beautiful
ceremonies of the institution of both the Eucharist along with that of the
sacrament of Holy Orders, united with the Passion and realization of what
the death of our Redeemer has meant to us, finally brought to conclusion
with the Easter Vigil service, one of the most beautiful of all liturgical
services.
We can think of the many things we wish to do during Lent to show our love
of God and use them as some sort of repentance, and all that is fine.
Regardless of our ages or sex, we all should be doing something during
Lent - fasting for those whose age qualifies for that even though the Church
says we only HAVE to fast a couple of days ( many times we forget that the
Church also says that if we do not fast we should be doing something that
can be beneficial to us spiritually). We can use penance in various forms to
help us realize we are sinners and because of us, you and me, our Lord dies
on the cross. Yes, all of these things can be a very personal thing.
But, if we really wish to celebrate what Lent is all about and actually get a
thrill from the final days of Lent, by joining with the Church in the celebration
of the Triduum, the last three days of of Holy Week, we should prepare
ourselves all during Lent for those great ceremonies and really, by doing our
individual things during Lent get our soul prepared for the great celebration
of our salvation at Easter.
Then our Lent will mean a little more to us, bring us a clearer understanding
what Lent is all about along with our salvation by our Lord and why we too
should really celebrate because of the Resurrection.
©2009 Fr. Louis Schlangen
