Thursday after Ash Wednesday
In the Holy Rule, St. Benedict says this about Lent. “For the monk, his entire life should be one continuous Lent.” At first, hearing that is not a pleasant thought, at least for me. St. Benedict goes further: “Since not all have the strength for this, let the brothers increase their austerity beyond the usual practice during the season. No one is to undertake any action, though, without the express permission of the abbot.”
One of the prefaces for Mass during Lent speaks of Lent as a “joyful season.” This too may seem a little contrary to our experience of it. But that same preface explains that it is a time of joy when we are preparing to “celebrate the paschal mystery with mind and heart renewed.” Another of the Lenten prefaces says, “through bodily fasting you restrain our faults, raise up our minds, and bestow both virtue and its rewards, through Christ our Lord.” We ask God to “raise up our minds” and pray that we will be ready to celebrate the Paschal Mystery “with mind and heart renewed.”
And yet, if we reflect further on the days of Lent, we can see that is actually a span of six weeks where we can grow spiritually. We are trying, with the grace of God, to grow in our faith life, seek to be more faithful in prayer, and tame our urge to satisfy pleasures of one kind or another. We are trying to be aware of our sin—yes, but perhaps even more—our reliance on God’s gift of forgiveness and mercy. All of this is intended to help each of us grow closer to our Loving God, and his Son, Jesus Christ, and to realize more deeply how great the gift we have received from God is.
“Show us, O Lord, your mercy. And grant us your salvation.”
Reflection by Fr. Peter Ullrich, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Lenten Resources