The reasons for the observance of Lent has never been as important to me as it is now. I seem to have arrived at this place of knowing that I am ready to use this time of Lent in a way that renews me spiritually. Completely. So, I have readied myself and made specific choices before Lent begins in order to do this. As with everything else that the Church lives, I know that I will be receiving graces from my observances, and in turn, I’ll improve my relationship with the Lord.
I seek to be pro-active in my Faith throughout Lent, and find opportunities to share my Faith in Christ in some shape or form with those around me. I will ‘tighten up’ my prayer life and unite my prayers with the Church in her Morning, and Night prayers; I will meditate on the Stations of the Cross weekly and continue to fast from meat on Fridays; and I will be vigilant on my watch for the opportunities that cross my path that warrant kindness, assistance or affection.
So, what is Lent?
It is meant to be a season that leads us to a deeper conversion of heart, a closer identification with Christ. Lent has a close connection to baptism. In the early Church, adults preparing for baptism would go through a catechumenate. This program, as the name implies, involved catechesis, or instruction, about the faith. The Roman-style catechumenate, officially in place by A.D. 200, extended over two to three years and involved intense preparation each year during the six weeks prior to Easter. As the candidates approached their day of baptism (usually on Holy Saturday) they would fast for a few days. The community would join them in this fast. This was the origin of the Lenten fast. (The tradition of a 40-day fast was established in Rome in the fourth century.) The community in effect accompanied the catechumens and also prepared to renew their own baptismal commitments at Easter. And what does baptism do for us? Among other things, it “gives a share in the common priesthood of all believers” (Catechism, 1268). The common priesthood involves the work of sanctifying, teaching and governing. Our personal example of holiness can help carry out the first work; our words, the second; and our good use of authority (be it parental or political or some other type), the third. In any one of these three areas we could find ample reasons to work on something during Lent. Moreover, “Scripture and the Fathers insist above all on three forms, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others” (Catechism, 1434).
Read more: http://rcspiritualdirection.com/blog/#ixzz1moqP2m1H
I feel privileged to be part of this Tradition of Lent. I look forward to the glorious Easter Vigil Mass, and the celebration of our Risen Lord, knowing that the Fathers f the Church and Christians just like me, celebrated Lent also and that we in the 21st century continue with this same Tradition.
What have you decided to embark on this coming Lent?
1catholicsalmon 
Monnie
/ February 19, 2012This is a wonderful post.
Allowing one to embark on their own path during lent, is how I see them becoming closer and creating that relationship with Christ.
One must be in a spiritual place of openness to create that communication with the Lord, a place where they allow their hearts to be truly opened to the message that he sends to them during Lent and the follow up to Easter.
It is amazing to share that grace with a person and allow them to hear how he has effected you and spoken to you throughout your time in Lent, but if they aren’t there spiritually, the effect of the Holy Spirit can be short-lived.
A wonderful post on how you can create that pathway through to Christ and how he has effected you through the years, I have seen first hand, but there was a journey you followed to be where you are today spiritually.
-Simonne
1catholicsalmon
/ February 19, 2012I’m always open and looking for Jesus in everything I do.