We begin next week what ought to be one of the great spiritual undertakings each year in the life of a follower of Christ. 

 

On Feb. 26, we celebrate Ash Wednesday and so begin the Lenten Season.

 

Throughout the six weeks of Lent, the Church asks Her members to draw closer to Christ and the Church by focusing on a specific aspect of the spiritual life. That is, our failures, our sins and our offenses against God and against His love.

 

Our human nature, wounded by original sin, struggles to align itself with God’s will. What was once natural to us is now a struggle. For that reason, we are strongly tempted to turn our eyes away from our sinful conduct, from our need to repent, and from our need as individuals and as a human race to make reparation to God for our sins.

 

That temptation can take various forms. We can fall into the habit of simply disregarding our sins. In that case our conscience is allowed to grow cold. Like a hardened criminal with a life of crime, we can be tempted to accept sin as the new normal for how we live.

 

Alternatively, we can acknowledge sin but project it elsewhere. Examples such as corporate corruption, lies in the media, or abuse of creation can allow us to acknowledge sin but transform it into a social reality that we are helpless to change. That attitude also allows us to distance sin from our own actions, thoughts and lives.

 

A third temptation is simply to redefine the definitions of what is sinful. That is a particular characteristic of our time, both outside and within the Church. What was once known to be evil now becomes called a good. Skipping Mass on Sunday, cohabiting instead of embracing the good of sacramental marriage, justifying abortion as an exercise of choice are just a small portion of the list of moral confusions of our day.

 

For that reason, the Church over the centuries has demonstrated great wisdom in offering us the great gift of the season of Lent. During that time we are called to clear away the fog in our souls by focusing on our sins. Only by acknowledging the wrong we have done and by asking for pardon can we open our hearts to the healing grace of God.

 

Lent begins on Feb. 26 with the distribution of Ashes. Please go to Mass and receive that sacramental symbol that reminds us, and all who see us during the day, of our final end and of the meeting with Christ that awaits us in death.

 

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days when we are obliged to fast if we are between 18 and 59 years of age. Beginning at age 14 we are obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent. By renouncing willingly and joyfully these normal practices of eating and drinking we are helped to focus on Jesus and so draw closer to Him.

 

During Lent, we should seek out other penances and reforms in our lives as well. Are there sinful practices we have fallen into? Now is the time to address them. Can we go to an extra Mass on a weekday? Can we donate time or money to the poor or the Church? Now is the time.

 

And of course, Lent must include a sacramental confession. How good for the soul to confide our sins to Christ working in and through the priest, knowing that because of our sorrow, Jesus will receive those sins and then forget them forever.

 

Please make this a meaningful Lent. And mark your calendar now. The annual Be Reconciled Day in the Diocese of Rockford, when confessions are heard all day long in our parish churches, will take place this year on Wednesday, April 1. Most especially, if you have been away from confession for a long time, please come!

 

Lent is a necessary and valuable time. Let’s not waste it.