In memory of Vanessa Yasintha Wambura (August 2003 – August 2023).
It’s that special time of year again! Sure, it’s March Break, and almost spring, but it is also a very important religious time of year. Here’s a hint: It is celebrated for 40 days and 40 nights. That’s right, for all Catholics and most Christians; it is the season of Lent. From February 18th (Ash Wednesday) to April 2nd this year we journey through Jesus’s final days until his death. There are three parts of lent: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Do you know what these mean, if not, or even if you do, please continue reading this article to get the full picture of Lent.
Praying is a very important part of Lent. We are encouraged, invited and reminded to pray for ourselves and for others very frequently. Remember Josiah’s article “Praying” Well, simple prayers like, Our Father, or bible devotions give you that peacefulness that you need in a busy day, especially during Lent. In my family, through the midst of all the chaos in our lives; we need to find a very peaceful, serene place to dedicate ourselves to the Lord. I find it comforting attending the Station’s of the cross on Fridays’ eve. Jesus prayed many times during his final hours, one time that really stood out was once he prayed on Mount Olive in Luke 22:39 and the disciples fell asleep during the many hours that Jesus prayed to his father.
In addition, I know all of us here have eaten a delicious meal before, whether it was cooked by your mother, or another family member, or someone special or at any restaurant maybe even cooked by yourself. We all had that great meal that was so good we licked our plate, cutlery and fingers clean, and we had gained one or two pounds, it was so good even though you were full you wanted seconds, and thirds. Maybe it was a big juicy steak rubbed with hot and spicy BBQ sauce or rich pasta with creamy pasta sauce and drizzled with yummy cheese and chopped up tomatoes. Or the Canadian personal favorite, big fat pancakes with real maple syrup and crispy bacon, well cooked eggs, hot hash browns and cooked hotdog! With such good food you ask yourself, why does the church say to fast during lent. Fasting is meant to get us in touch with our physical hunger and thirst which then keeps us in touch with our spiritual hunger and thirst, as Christopher West said in his quick documentary about lent.
Do you know the appropriate age for fasting? According to our church diocese of Toronto, those between the ages of 18 to 59 years who are able to observe the Lenten regulations are called to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. And guess what, one full meal is allowed on the day of fasting. Something else though has to be given up! Yes, abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics who are 14 years old and over during Ash Wednesday, all Fridays of Lent and Good Friday. I know by age, I am not there yet… You can give up other things too apart from food.
What about Almsgiving? By definition, almsgiving is: (in historical or religious contexts) the practice of giving money or food to poor people. But really it is more than that. As Ron Hansen says, lent is not just helping those less fortunate, it is about donating your time and services to not only to other people, but to yourself and God. God once said to give in secret and you shall be rewarded. I’m not saying to go and mysteriously donate 1,000 dollars to a homeless shelter, you can do other things that can brighten someone’s way, and if you give then you may be a model, for people to become Alms Givers themselves and to service the Lord in any way or form. I think doing any act of kindness will go well with what almsgiving is all about. You can visit my article about “One ‘ARK’ at a Time.”
Overall, the season of lent is the season of sacrifice, compassion and serving. Not only is it the journey through Jesus’s last days leading to his crucifixion, but is the journey through mind in soul and the journey to our inner souls and spirits. We’re all welcome to journey with Him as we journey our own lives. Of course there’s ending to each journey, therefore at the end of Lent journey (we’re almost there!) with jubilant spirit, we celebrate His resurrection on the holy day called Easter.
Wishing you all a very blessed Lent season!!
Vanessa Wambura.