We Catholics observe Lent every year. It begins with Ash Wednesday (which is on March 5th this year, less than a week away!), and ends during Holy Week, right before Easter. It is a very important observation in our Liturgical calendar, as Easter is considered the most important celebration of the year. Some might argue that Christmas is the most important, but without Easter, and all that Christ did and went through to get to that point, there would be no Catholic Church to observe it! (I do understand that Catholics are not the only Christian's to observe Lent, I'm just writing here from what I know!)
Lent is typically a time of waiting, of preparation of the soul, for the coming of Christ at Easter. Both Advent (the days before Christmas) and Lent are seen as times of waiting, and the colors for the Mass during both times is purple. However, whereas Advent is in preparation for the birth of our Lord, Lent is in preparation for the fulfillment of His promises as He rises from the dead. Therefore, Lent is a time of reparation, a time to search one's soul, repent one's sins, and prepare a clean heart for Christ to enter.
Catholics do this in a variety of ways. Some give things up for Lent, things they enjoy (for time immemorial, children have given up sweets for Lent), as a way of denying themselves. Some try to refrain from certain actions as a way to better themselves (i.e. using bad language, drinking too much, etc.) Some try to do more for their fellow man, such as working at soup kitchens, giving more to the poor, etc. Some try to add extra time for their prayer life, both alone and with family. They read Lenten booklets, pray more as a family, work as a family to do 'good works', etc. Some try to do some of all of these things. And of course, we all give up meat on Fridays. However, the rule concerning that was never changed, so, technically, we should be giving up meat on every Friday, not just the ones during Lent.
All of these endeavors are laudable. They help us "unclutter" our souls, simplify things, make room for more charitableness in our lives. Lent is a time of going within, taking hard looks at our own souls, and seeing if we are truly ready for the coming of Christ. However, while it is a good thing to deny ourselves certain things and attempt to be better people, it doesn't all have to be hardship!
Family prayer time could actually (and should actually) be an enjoyable thing! One way to do this would be to find a book or booklet designed for families, and use it during Lent. If I may suggest one, Connie Clark recently came out with a brand new one for Lent 2014. It is entitled, "Lent For Families 2014; Real Life Lent; Daily Meditations, Prayers, & Activities." I have a copy, and though my son is now an adult, I would love to have had it to use when he was younger. Help your children see that while we may deny ourselves, we are looking forward to a wonderful 'reward' in the coming of Christ!
Try to find ways to make Lent special this year. I usually find a good booklet and use it to journal through Lent. I try to do more, be more involved, but since my health no longer allows me to do as much as I once did, this is one way I can have a more fulfilling Lent. I also spend more time in prayer, especially for those I know that need extra prayers at that time, but for all those I know and care for.
The point is, Lent is another part of our journey. It should be observed as a time of growth and maturity in our faith, not as a time for sack cloth and ashes (Ash Wednesday not withstanding). What I'm saying is, though it is a time for repentance, acknowledgement of our sins, trying to cleanse our souls, it doesn't have to be a time we feel the need to 'get through', 'endure', etc. It can be a joyful time of getting to know our own souls a bit better, as well as our families and loved ones. We can also rejoice in it that we are striving to grow closer to God. And, while we are at it, shouldn't we be doing this all year long anyway? Why just the 40 days of Lent? We should be striving toward bettering ourselves, being better, kinder, gentler, more Christ-like people all year long! Lent is just a reminder of this!
I invite your comments! Please let me know what you think, and may you all be blessed!
