It is only a few days before the beginning of the Lent, time to think about and plan how the weeks leading up to Easter will be spent in terms of spiritual preparation.
For those of us who are 40- and 50-something and beyond, Lent conjures up memories of strict fasting and abstaining. Fridays in Lent, as all other Fridays in the "old days", were meatless and the food was not exciting. It was definitely a sacrifice to have meatless meals.
The Food Network did not exist. Emeril Lagasse and Martha Stewart were not around to add the creative touch that makes meatless meals the gourmet treat they are today. We had not discovered portabella mushroom paninnis and goat cheese quesidillas. We only had Betty Crocker to guide us and we ate a lot of tuna noodle casserole or macaroni and cheese on Fridays.
Lent felt somber and rule bound in those days. Giving up sweets, cigarettes or alcohol was common. Families discussed what they would forego as a form of Lenten sacrifice and often tried to help each other stay the course during the sometimes long weeks of Lent. It was not appropriate to have parties or weddings during Lent and when Holy week came around, especially Good Friday, it was expected that nothing social would take place.
These were not negative experiences; however, the emphasis on personal sacrifice and private prayer often overshadowed the community prayer and interaction that is an important part of the season. Even though some of the rules were difficult to abide by it was almost easier to observe Lent because it was laid out for you. Follow the rules of fasting and abstaining, keep a solemn tone and you had done the right thing.
Today we approach Lent differently. Fasting, abstaining and almsgiving (acts of charity), three traditional practices, are still encouraged. Denying ourselves, as was common in earlier times has not been disregarded. Rather, the shift has been more to action --- doing things that engage us in the community as we pray and continue the traditional practices of Lent.
The goal is to spend the days and nights of Lent becoming more open to and aware of Christ. Self-denial is meant to bring us to an awareness of something deeper and more meaningful than hunger pangs or missing the daily glass of wine. Giving up sweets during Lent or fasting is not meant to be a built in diet that helps drop ten pounds. If that happens, great --- but the real goal is to take the experience and use it as a reminder that we are refocusing our lives and renewing our relationship with God.
Reading the literature available about Lent can be confusing. Theological terms, sometimes not clear to the non-theologian, leave many of us wondering just what is an appropriate discipline for Lent.
I came across a list of activities that might be helpful. Jerry and Sylvia DeVillers of Camarillo compiled the document, entitled "Living the Lenten Journey," a few years ago for their Peace and Justice ministry. The list is simple and creative, but not without some challenges, depending on your personal situation.
The following are a few highlights from the list that might be helpful in your 2005 Lenten journey:
---Tell a small child the Easter story, using your won words. Refer to Luke 24.
---Read and enjoy a recent Catholic periodical such as America, Commonweal, Our Sunday Visitor or one of your own discovery. Expect to be challenged.
---Write notes of encouragement to the Elect (those preparing for Baptism and Full Communion) in your parish. Make plans to attend the Easter vigil to support them.
---Each week during Lent call someone you haven't talked to in at least six months. Renew friendships.
---Volunteer for literacy tutoring at county libraries, jails or Boys and Girls Clubs and get started during Lent.
---At a family meal, discuss memories of everyone's Baptisms, including your own. Refer to family pictures and videos.
---Visit or write to someone in jail or prison and offer hope.
---Plant a bulb garden that will bloom during the Easter season.
---Take time to listen to inspirational music on tape or CD. Pray as you listen.
---Listen to the call of God as you encounter strangers during Lent. Ponder: How is God present to me in new ways through people who are not just like I am?
Consciously planning a personal course of action for Lent that includes private and community experiences will make the 40 days more meaningful and renewing. Anne Hansen is a parent education consultant and a parishioner at Blessed Junípero Serra Church, Camarillo. Her e-mail address is familymail@aol.com.
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