Lent

This week we have started the Holy Season of Lent. For many people it appears on first hand to be a depressing time of year. They look and see that it is a time when they give up things like Chocolate other nice things. On embarking on the season they are only looking towards the end. I have heard people say “Only another 3 weeks and then I can eat chocolate again.” But, I feel that they are missing the whole point of Lent. I often call Lent the joyful season of Lent.  And when I say this people think I am half crazed.

Let me put it this way. When you have had a spring clean, when you have dusted and tied the house put things in its rightful place how do you feel? You may feel tired because it has been hard work but you feel a lot better with yourself and your surroundings. You have a sense of job done and satisfaction.  The same can be said with Lent. It is hard work and sometimes we feel it is too difficult and yet it is by fasting, prayer and charity we have a spiritual spring clean we through the sacrament of reconciliation get rid of all that bars us from God.

Often when embarking on something new we start with great enthusiasm and we really try our best and do well. Then we lapse and this is where we need, as I have learnt, a good prayer life to help us through these times of trial. This is not only a lesson for Lent but our whole lives.  

There is something else to be aware of though. The things that we do in Lent should help all through our Christian life. This is where it bites. This season can be life changing let us pray for each other that this year it maybe for us so that we can enter into the Paschal mystery more fully.