“Lenten Joy”

In the Early Christian Church the first expanded season of the Church Year was the addition of the great 40 days of Lent. This originally was a time of penance and preparation for the celebration of Easter: The festival of Christ’s Resurrection. It was a time for those who had been separated from the church could prepare to re-enter the membership of the church.  In the Dark Ages the preparation was taken over by penance and “woe is me” types of thinking. People no longer could see the Joy that was coming during Easter.

In the 1200’s St. Francis again brought joy to Life in the Church. Franciscans by the example of the ‘Poor Little Man of Assisi’ began to experience new joy in all of their lives and ministry in the Church. A publication that I receive often from a Poor Clare Monastery in Washington State, USA is entitled “Joy Notes!” I believe that instead of giving up things in Lent (most that we take up again after Easter) we should begin to take on things that are positive and always helpful to others. I believe that we are drawn by Spirit to do works of Mercy for those that are in need. There are many charities that could use our help. The homeless are all around us and we can begin to help them to find homes, the basics of life in food, medicine, and shelter. Every community has organizations that are working to help the homeless. They can use our volunteer hours, presence, donations of money, and clothing. I use this as an example because the homeless represent populations that are often ignored.

There are many wonderful charities and people that could be helped during Lent as well as all year long.  In order to restore real JOY in Lent, we must reach out and take on new projects to help and assist others in need. It could also be as simple as reaching out to the lonely and those left alone by many. Perhaps there is a member of your family or a close friend who you have not contacted (call, write, e-mail, visit etc.) in a long time.  Lent is the time that you can cheer such people up by your contact or visit. Hospitals and Nursing Homes almost always appreciate visitors or volunteers. I realize HIPPA regulations make it difficult just to visit but there are ways of doing this if you agree to volunteer. You can add joy to some one’s life by a cheerful and regular visit. Lent would be a great time to begin to do such visiting and/or volunteering.

JOY in Lent can also be experienced by self-preparation and reflection. This is the season to read a good book or take up a serious study of the Scriptures. Perhaps a new resolve to create a “Rule of Life” for you to begin to follow, or to be more frequent in worship and creative Spiritual Exercises, will also bring back JOY to your life and ministry. I really believe having a Spiritual Director will add new meaning and JOY to your life. I’ve had a Spiritual Director on a regular basis for over 30 years. I’ve lived in 3 different places and each move, I found a new Spiritual Director, who has added such JOY to my life throughout the year!

I remember Lent when I was a child. I grew up in both Roman Catholic and Lutheran Churches. When we visited my mother’s home town in Kentucky, two of her brothers and one sister were Roman Catholic. I always went to mass with them.  I remember ‘Passiontide’ when all the statues were veiled and we were always fasting with no meat on Wednesdays and Fridays. My father’s sister was Lutheran and I remember attending church with my Aunt and Uncle. In that Lutheran Church, of course, the pastor talked about giving up things during Lent—but Lutherans really have beautiful chorales, choirs, hymns, beautiful music, all of which was   inspiring. There was always a ‘Tenebrae’, or Service of Darkness. Such Services were uplifting and pointed to Easter JOY. It seems to me that when you can make your Lent more JOY filled then you really know how to celebrate Easter!

I encourage all who read this little epistle, to make Lent mean something different this year. Remember to take on new projects, persons, and or study, so you will begin to see that Lent can be JOY filled and not a ‘downer’. Cursillo taught me, many years ago, three words that can make such difference all year round: Prayer, Study, and Action! If you put these three little words to work for you, I assure you, that this coming Eastertide will be wonderful. May the Spirit keep you faithful and JOY filled during all the seasons of your life.