This time of year, for Catholics at least, can be a little anxious… or at least I hope that’s true. Despite Mardi Gras festivities (for those of us in the deep South) and all the revelry and excitement that goes with it, I’d suspect that for even notionally devoted Catholics, the approaching Lenten season should give us a little to think about. It would be easy to eschew any deep consideration of what to “give up for Lent” but perhaps a little delving into the next layer down might be in order; especially in consideration of the social climate these days.
Here’s what I mean. “Lent-light” has become more the norm it seems among a lot of folks. We’ll “give-up” occasional guilty pleasures perhaps, things like chocolate, sweets in general, alcohol or even cursing (complete with penalty jar for coins when we transgress). These are all reasonable Lenten offerings and I’d say stick with at least these if that’s the best you can manage. However, perhaps we might branch-out a bit further this year? Perhaps we don’t even “give-up” something at all, but take on something new?….not a new vice of course but perhaps we use the 40 days and nights to cultivate a new virtue?
Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving are the backbone of Lent. Perhaps it might be possible to explore one of these dimensions in particular. For example, maybe consideration could be given to augmenting one’s prayer life with a “prayer journal”? …small book, blank pages. Perhaps assign a person’s name at the top of each of the next 40 pages and each day, make a conscious effort to pray in particular for that person? Write down the intentions for them on that page. Perhaps attend daily Mass and offer your reception of the Eucharist for them. Write it down on their page. It’s intentional and particular.
Or maybe Fasting could be the focus this Lent? Similar to the prayer journal, perhaps one could consider fasting a single meal once or twice a week for a particular intention or person; keep a journal or even a white board for such an exercise. Writing it down helps to focus; you know… be particular.
My experience has been that the vague, general intentions are rarely satisfying. I’ve proven that I’m not that disciplined. I love me a list; helps me focus. A number of times I’ve picked 40 people and written a letter to each; one letter, each day. Just a short note to tell them I care about them and admire them. Good excuse to buy some fancy stationery; perhaps something with a Cross on it. Kindness is virtuous and can be cultivated. Making it particular is important.
This year however, I’m choosing to focus on forgiveness; cultivating it and practicing it. After all, the Church changes her entire appearance for such this time of year. The color purple/violet replaces the green of Ordinary Time and the Lenten season is devoted significantly to God’s boundless forgiveness of us… all of us… forever. In light of such, just giving up beer feels a little anemic to me.
Recently I witnessed the power of forgiveness in a huge way. Although I wasn’t party to the scenario, the forgiver and the forgivee were people I’ve known and loved for a very long time. The forgiver relayed the story to me after the fact. The forgivee… had just passed away. I have rarely felt the power of such mercy from outside the exchange, but I can assure you I won’t forget it. When the story was relayed to me, I was silenced in bewildered awe at what I heard. True mercy….forgiveness is breathtaking. Remember, forgiving someone is for YOU…..they don’t even have to know you’ve forgiven them. As we say in the Cursillo movement, “Let go and let God.”
Corrie Ten Boom survived a concentration camp. One of my favorite quotes comes from her. She said, “Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can operate despite the temperature of the heart.” I don’t like to think of myself as unmerciful or unforgiving, but the truth is that sometimes I smolder with grudges, passive aggression, and the like. I’ve taken up cultivating the habit of trying to be cognizant of anger or frustration and when I realize what I’m feeling, I pray…in particular for the person that I’m angry or frustrated with. Just a quick Hail Mary or Glory Be usually does the trick. My plan this Lent includes a number of small, sacrificial things to “give-up” but it also includes cultivating and practicing forgiveness and weekly attendance at Eucharistic Adoration (another breathtaking experience if you’ve never participated).
Hopefully, cultivating forgiveness will help me to learn to be more humble. After all, I’ve certainly been the beneficiary of mercies both small and large. I’ve enjoyed the gift. So…perhaps this Lent, I’ll be successful in “giving-up” holding on to anger and/or resentment. Please pray for me.
May God continue to guide your head, hands and heart.
Gaudete in Domino Semper!
