Growing up, I never knew the real purpose or meaning behind Lent. All I ever remember was the "struggle" of abstinence on Ash Wednesday and Fridays and you can't forget, "starving" to death in between meals during fasting. Every year that day would come, the day I would get asked numerous times..."What is on your forehead?" "Rach, you've got something on your forehead, is that dirt?" Nope folks, those are called ashes. Yep, it's definitely Ash Wednesday: the beginning process of the Lenten Season.
As I got older, I started to actually pay attention to the Catholic faith and the reasons why we do the things we do. Why do we abstain? Why do we fast? The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most important days in the Catholic church. For 40 days, it is our obligation to prepare for the resurrection through prayer, abstinence, fasting and acts of spiritual self-discipline. THIS is why we abstain and fast and pray. Simply because it is a preparation for the Lord to come.
As I sat through church this evening, it hit me. Lent is not about tooting your own horn about what you're giving up or doing extra this year for Lent. Of course, I knew this already, but the gospel and homily felt different this time. It came from Saint Matthew: 6:1-6, 16-18. It spoke about alms-giving, prayer and fasting. These three main things are what the season is about:
1. Alms-giving -- give to ones in need whether it's your time, food, money or even a smile! :)
2. Prayer -- go to your happy, quiet place and TALK with God, I swear He's harmless and such a good listener.
3. Fasting -- think twice before you overindulge on food, whether it's a second slice of cake or a nice 10 oz steak.
Back to the reading, these things are what the Catholic faith emphasizes us to practice during Lent. One of my favorite verses from this reading is, "And your Father who sees in secret will repay you."
Really think about these words as you progress through this Lenten Season. This is a time for us to prepare for the coming of Jesus. It's not a time for us to publicize what piece of technology we're "sacrificing" or what food we will "try" to stray away from for the next 40 days. Whatever you're giving up this Lenten Season, really, truly think about what it is you're giving up or doing more of. Is it going to allow you to focus on Jesus' coming and what's ahead of you? Will it prepare you spiritually? Will it strengthen your relationship with God and the ones around you?
This is one of my favorite seasons of the Catholic Church. It only lasts 40 days, embrace it!
God Bless,
Rachel <3
