My lovely Protestant friend requested that I write this post about Lent, and it became a 3-part series (*content*). In particular, she wanted to know "what I'm doing for Lent and how I'm dealing with it"... But now Lent is coming to a close (not surprisingly because I procrastinated when I thought I couldn't write this perfectly), so... I'm just going to talk about how Lent went.
Lent, as I wrote about in my first post, is about leading up to Easter. Last year's Lent was full of many more unknowns, as I left Belize and went a few months without attending Mass. On the contrary, this Lent has been much more hopeful. We will attend in-person Mass, and many people are receiving the vaccine. I've been blessed that no one in my family has been seriously ill with coronavirus. Outside of Mass, more in-person community has gradually been able to form, including music ministry. I've been able to reflect on how God has blessed me during this year, which I spent mostly thinking about what I've missed.
This Lent, I took part in certain fasts as part of a community called Fiat 90. (I'll write a more specific post about it.) But in general, I've come to understand a bit better how physical deprivations can bring us closer to God. Even during the period of quarantine when we were deprived from spiritual food, the Eucharist, I believe some good came out of it. My friend Ellen wrote a good post on this about those who suffer from deprivation of the Eucharist even for non-COVID reasons.
I pray that the Church increases hunger for the Eucharist. Most Catholics do not believe that the Eucharist is truly Jesus, which seems connected with declining attendance at Mass. This Easter may be the first time people have attended Mass since the pandemic. I want to invite them to ponder the meaning of Eucharist. Know that God is welcoming you to his table every Sunday! When the dispensation for Mass was put in place, I thought, "I wish the Church emphasized more the true meaning of the Eucharist." So I am telling you now - the Eucharist is Jesus! Read John 6 and all of the Last Supper accounts. Jesus gave up his body in the Passion and triumphed in the Resurrection, but he also gave himself to us as food in the Eucharist and we can share in his triumph every day. I hope the Church can see that joyous idea, and I wish for everyone to have a good Easter.
- Brief Introduction
- Fasting and other Lenten practices
- Personal Lenten Reflection 2021
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