Saint Andrew Events

The season of Lent – the annual observation of 40 days of reflection and fasting leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus – has been an important part of the spiritual life of the Church for centuries.  This practice of “walking with Jesus to the cross” can be a powerful reminder of how profound a loving life can be, as well as how costly it can be.

However, many people find Lent depressing. We are, after all, remembering how love is often answered by rejection or violence. And at the end of the path is the brutal death of Jesus. (Actually the end of the path is the resurrection of Jesus, but you can’t get to the resurrection without going through the crucifixion.)

Can we take a more positive approach to the observation of Lent? I think we can. Every worthy goal in life requires some sacrifice. If I want to get in shape and lose some weight, I’m going to have to spend more time exercising and less time sitting in front of a screen. I’m going to have to eat healthier foods and eat less of the sweets and carbs that I enjoy so much.

This time of year is not just the season of Lent, it is also spring training for baseball leagues. Baseball players are getting back in shape as they prepare for the long season ahead. They are lifting weights, running sprints, and enduring day after day of repetitive practice so that they will do well in the coming season. The work they do now will result in better performance when the games begin to matter. How faithfully they train today may determine if their team makes it to the playoffs at the end of the season.

This applies to our spiritual life as well. The more we study and practice loving as Jesus loved the more prepared we will be to face the realities of life. If we can discipline ourselves voluntarily in the days of Lent, we will be more likely to face hardship in days to come without losing our resolve.

In Jesus’ life, the discipline of prayer and fasting, the courage of facing the cross, is what led to the breakthrough to new and eternal life. In the Lenten season remember that you are in training to achieve breakthroughs in your life in spite of difficulties and hardships. In this season, do what you need to do to become stronger and more prepared for the days to come.