This Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, we begin the Season of Lent. Our word “Lent” comes from the Old English word “Lenten”, which means “spring.” The Latin term for this penitential season is Quadragesima (40 days) and the Greek term it is Tessarakoste (fortieth). So, for convenience sake, we can be grateful that the Old English word stuck. With Lent and Easter quite late this year, we really are starting Lent just as a few brave green sprouts are pushing their way through the winter tundra.

Like many of our liturgical seasons, the season of Lent has earthly roots as well as spiritual roots. Lent began as the final season of preparation for those who would be baptized at Easter, and was later extended to the whole church, since we are constantly in need of conversion. But there was also something very practical about Lent. In the centuries before refrigeration and supermarkets, food in the northern hemisphere was often in short supply in the spring. People had used up what they had stored for the winter and the new crop was not yet ready for harvest.  Christians were urged to limit their meals during springtime, so that there would be enough for everyone in the village. Today, of course, we are not subject to such seasonal shortages. Going to a Farmer’s Market is a lifestyle choice, not a necessity. As a result, our penitential acts can take on an artificial character. While the idea behind Lenten penance is sound—we need to sacrifice some of our comforts, so that we may be more focused on Christ and on the Christ as he appears in our sisters and brothers in need--the execution may leave something to be desired.

Lent always begins with a flurry of religious activity. Our three Masses are well attended, and there is a steady stream of people coming for ashes during the five hours they are offered in the Parish Hall.  It is not hard to understand why receiving ashes is more popular than receiving communion. There are no real or imagined requirements for receiving ashes. We do not have to be in the state of grace or in good standing with the church or a good person or a worthy person. We do not have to be Catholic or Christian or very sure if we believe in God. When we come for ashes, we are admitting that we could have led a better life, and that is a universal experience. We know we need to get our act together.

The problem comes in the follow-through. Some of us never get around to deciding on a Lenten practice. Even if we start with enthusiasm, we may gradually let things slide. We may treat our penance as an endurance test, something to do for 40 days without any long-term consequences.  Our Lenten practices may not touch the core of our lives in the same way that our ancestors in faith had to face the sacrifices of springtime. So, from time to time, I have suggested to people (and have imposed it on myself) that we undertake a different penitential act for each day of the week. It is a way to address our shortcomings and our excesses from many angles.

For many people Monday is the least favorite day of the week. Whether you are heading back to work or working from home, Monday is the perfect day to do an act of charity or kindness. This could range from being understanding and patient with others, visiting the sick, or just doing something unexpected for someone you love. It might make someone’s Monday less of a grind. Set aside fifteen minutes on Tuesday to reflect on your behavior this past week. Whom or what have I been neglecting? What have I been overdoing? Think about your habits of sin. Over the course of six weeks, patterns will likely emerge and you will have a personal improvement project for the Easter Season. On Wednesday set aside time to learn something about an issue that impacts your faith. We live in a world of social media influencers and rapid fire opinions. Stop scrolling and dig deeper. Attending one or all of our Evenings of Faith would certainly fulfill that requirement. Let Thursday be the day you sacrifice. Since this is the only day you will actually give up something, make sure it is something that cuts into your comfort zone. As you do so, think about the millions who make this same sacrifice every day because they lack the basic necessities of life. Friday is a day of abstinence from meat. It could also be a day to abstain from gossip, negative speech, and bad language. Abstain from passing judgment on other people’s motives, actions, and intelligence. On Saturday most people have more free time. Set aside fifteen minutes to read Scripture, say the Rosary, or pray in whatever form works for you. Sundays do not count in the forty days of Lent, but participating in Sunday Mass should be the center of our week anyway.

These are just suggestions. If you decide to follow such a Lenten program, post your list of Lenten practices on the refrigerator and make sure you look at it every morning.

                                                                        Fr. Joe