"We rise again from ashes, from the good we've failed to do, We rise again from ashes, to create ourselves anew. If all our world is ashes, then must our lives be true, an offering of ashes, an offering to you." from the hymn "Ashes"
And so begins the penitential season of Lent, those forty days leading us up to Easter. Today, Ash Wednesday, begins this special spiritual season, as we receive the ashes on our forehead as a symbol of our mortality and penitence. It is a time in which we are introspective about the things in our lives that retard us spiritually, and look for ways to improve, to make us both better human and spiritual beings.
Traditionally, the custom is to give something up for Lent. Many people may focus on abstaining from certain foods for the time, or perhaps giving up some activity, but not all give something up. Some prefer to take on something else-perhaps volunteering for something, etc. As my priest said on Sunday, there are an unlimited number of things we can do for Lent-and we don't have to focus on the negative things. We can be creative. His point was that whatever special thing we do for Lent, the idea is that when we come to celebrate the Easter liturgy, we be a changed people.
I like to view Lent as the church's gift to us-a second chance to work on our new year's resolution. Whatever we chose to do for Lent, it should have a lasting effect in our lives, not something we forget about as soon as we hear the bells ringing as the Gloria is sung on Holy Thursday. For the last several years, I have tried to focus on my prayer life. Several years ago, I joined the YMCA for Lent. I have friends who give up certain foods, some of whom are not even practicing church goers.
Here's my confession: I haven't always been successful at my Lenten "sacrifice". However, I have tried, made the effort. We offer God our failures, we offer our attempts. While sometimes people prefer to keep what they are "doing" for Lent to themselves, I don't mind sharing. I'm focusing on several areas this Lenten season. I'm at a pivotal point in my life, looking for my direction. This year for Lent, I am focusing on my prayer life-this time by learning to pray the Rosary, as well as centering prayer. Additionally, I'm going to focus on getting back in the gym more often, and seriously learning to do yoga. I'm even going to focus on being better in all aspects of work-starting with getting there on time. If I can do that, we'll go from there!
Lenten sacrifices are about discipline, which in turn will lead us to a deeper relationship with God and each other. To me, that means a deeper relationship with myself as well, which leads to peace. And, in these times in which we live, couldn't we use a little more peace?
2 comments:
I think that in order to get better aquainted with the dirt grime and filth of humanity I will give up showers for lent. May the stench of sin that rules the hearts of man be wutwardly expressed through my being. Amen. I also am going to try to pray the Liturgy of the Hours more often- I find the psalms very insightful. May the Lord bless and keep you through out your lented journey!
I don't know if you realize it or not, being your confessions are your most genuine feelings, but you are an extremely talented writer. You are very eloquent in your writing and I think you have a gift(your writing)that #1 helps you, but #2 might also help others in similar situations. I know that I have many times after reading your blog, stepped back and really thought about priorities and my own personal gratitude. You should really consider persuing publishing some of your thoughts into a book. Call me crazy, but I know you could do it! I have really enjoyed getting back in touch with you. Take care, Heather.
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