This past February 14, Lent began. All of the sudden, in churches all over the world, everything was much different than it had been on February 13. The transformation included banners, the scriptures proclaimed at Mass, the gospel acclamation, the music, the vestments worn by the deacons and priests, etc. All of it was different. That’s because, as a Church, liturgical seasons are celebrated well. If it’s Lent, it’s Lent. It’s no longer Ordinary Time. So, let’s put away those Alleluias. If it’s the Advent Season, we will not be hearing about any ‘silent’ or ‘holy’ nights. We immerse ourselves in each season, giving ourselves the time to pray them well. Doing things this way allows us to journey, liturgically at least, through the various parts of the life and ministry of Jesus. Doing things this way also helps ensure that our Christian prayer life will be well-rounded, provided we go to Mass on a regular basis, of course.
If you’re anything like me though, you’re not always ready for Lent when Ash Wednesday rolls around. Conversely, the Easter sunrise occasionally finds some of us unprepared and unwilling to be rid of our sinful thoughts and behavior. This sort of thing is true for any of the liturgical seasons. At least for me it is. My Christian journey seldom syncs up neatly with the liturgical year.
If the previous paragraph describes you also, don’t worry. Turning your heart back to Jesus can begin anytime you’re ready, even if Lent doesn’t begin again until next March. The following exercises can be as impactful today as they have been for others during the better part of the last six weeks:
– Giving something up or doing something as a way of denying yourself
– Daily prayer
– The Sacrament of Reconciliation
– Praying the Stations of the Cross
– Almsgiving
– Fasting and Abstinence
I can’t think of a time of the year where these things would be inappropriate.
Conversely, though, as you avail yourself of one or more of the above opportunities, and you experience the joy of the resurrection through the consequent graces, it’s important that you willingly serve as a reflection of that joy to the world around you. Jesus counts on us to help ensure that others know the source of our joy and how our lives have been changed through His life, death, and resurrection.
As a Church, Easter is here. Let’s party and sing all the Alleluias we can! If you aren’t feeling it personally though, don’t sweat. Jesus cares way more about you and me than he does about the liturgical calendar. If need be, let this moment be your Ash Wednesday and let your journey back to Jesus begin.
-Shannon