This week we begin the holy season of Lent. The Old English word “Lent” means Spring and appropriately describes the season which coincides with the re-awakening of nature after the cold grip of winter. Since Lent comes so early this year nearly all of it is in the winter, except for the end of Holy Week. As a matter of fact, our fellow citizens in colder climes may experience a “White Easter” this year. Yours truly remembers waking up to six inches of new snow on Easter Sunday back in New England.
In spite of what the weather outside brings, the new beginning that Lent inaugurates should be a spiritual renewal for all of us as we accompany Jesus in His temptations and fasting in the desert.
Fasting and abstinence have been a traditional part of Lent from the beginning. In the early Church Christians joined with those preparing for Baptism in a spiritual “spring cleaning” to “purge the old yeast of corruption”(cf. I Cor. 5, 7) and become a new creation. This renewal
by prayer, fasting, and giving to the poor helped the Christians to prepare for the renewal of their Baptismal promises at Easter. The forty days gave them time to reflect on their sins, do penance, and be renewed in heart and spirit.
Fasting is defined as refraining from food and drink as an expression of interior penance. It is recommended in Scripture and sometimes prescribed by a precept of the Church.
Abstinence is related to fasting, but differs in that it marks out a particular food (usually meat) as prohibited. During Lent we abstain from meat and poultry as part of our penance
St. Peter Chrysologous (4th century) said that fasting must be accompanied by prayer and works of mercy, otherwise it can be sterile and fruitless. Fasting helps us to focus on prayer. And when we use the money we save on food by giving to those in need we gain “treasure in heaven”.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
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