It seems hard to believe that Lent is already upon us (here at our house, we just put away the Christmas tree a week and a half ago! During the “take-the-tree-down” process our 4 year old said to his 3 year old brother, “It’s not Christmas time now. It’s almost summer.” 🙂 ).
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, a day of fast and abstinence. Baritone and I have a number of things we are giving up (or adding) for Lent this year. For one, we typically eat simpler meals, and we try to make it to Stations of the Cross every Friday. Our children are too young to observe some of our Lenten penances with us (fasting, for example), but when and where it’s reasonable and possible we include them (they come with us to Stations, for example).
While, yes, the chocolate will be put away…sadness!… 😉 …there are many things I look forward to about Lent.
Lent always seems to come when I spiritually need it the most. January is the month that most people make “New Year’s Resolutions”, but for Catholics, Lent is the time to step-it-up with prayer, meditations, and penances. It’s a perfect opportunity to get a fresh re-start on one’s spiritual life (although obviously you don’t have to wait for Lent to do that).
Tomorrow I will start reading The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The season of Lent has some of the best Church music…and I’m really looking forward to Tenebrae and all of the Holy Week liturgies.
Do you have a plan for Lent?