Lent

Finding sacred during Lent

By Fr. John Girotti

	A Compass Lenten series

During this holy season of Lent, many of us wonder how we can make the most of this time of fasting, almsgiving and prayer. Our lives are so fast paced that it's sometimes difficult to slow down and take part in the season.

However, as Catholics, we have a rich history of sacramentals and devotions that can greatly assist us in making our Lenten season more meaningful.

What is a sacramental? The Catechism of the Catholic Church says sacramentals are sacred signs that bear a certain resemblance to the sacraments, and by means of which spiritual effects are signified and obtained through the prayers of the church.

	L e n t
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Sacramentals often point toward the sacraments; they are reminders of God's presence in our lives. Chief among all the sacramentals are blessings. Every year, Lent begins with such a sacramental - the blessing of ashes and the placing of these ashes on our foreheads. Our own mortality as well as the importance of repentance from our sins is called to mind.

Toward the end of Lent we receive another blessed object. On Palm Sunday we receive a blessed palm as we remember how Christ was welcomed into Jerusalem. Many of us keep this sacramental in our homes or weave them into crosses or other sacred shapes. As you can see, sacramentals play an important part in marking our journey through Lent.

A devotion is a particular prayer that strengthens our faith in God by focusing us on a particular aspect of his mercy and love. There are many devotions in the church, but the devotion most often associated with Lent is the Stations of the Cross. The 14 stations speak about the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Praying the stations can be a very moving experience when we place ourselves in the scene with Jesus and reflect upon what part we play. Sometimes we are like Jesus being persecuted, sometimes we are like the bystander pressed into service, and sometimes we are the ones who do the scourging.

Another Lenten devotion is the reading of Sacred Scripture. The Bible is the Word of God and it is such a great gift to us! This Lent, open up your Bibles and read one of the four gospels, one of St. Paul's Letters, or perhaps a book in the Old Testament. Pray before and after reading the scriptures so that your hearts can be opened to receive his Word. And don't forget to have your Catechism nearby in case you encounter something confusing.

Yet another devotion that many have discovered is the praying of the Liturgy of the Hours. This official prayer of the church, which includes Morning and Evening Prayer, is a wonderful way to punctuate our day with prayer. Often parishes have groups that gather to pray the Liturgy of the Hours during Lent, or perhaps you could start one. While praying these prayers, we are united with the universal church praising and thanking God for his goodness.

Besides sacramentals and devotions, a word must be said about worship. Eucharistic adoration is a most powerful way to enter into the season of Lent. Take advantage of the many Eucharistic chapels in our diocese or attend one of the various holy hours that parishes provide. And perhaps the greatest opportunity to enter into Lent is to worship the Lord at Mass. Besides every Sunday, perhaps you might try attending Mass during the week. Many people have been profoundly changed by this!

The Season of Lent is here. Let us walk with the Lord on this journey, and by our devotion, worship, and sacramental blessings, let us look forward to the joy of Easter.

(Fr. Girotti is the administrator of St. Anthony Parish, Tigerton; St. Mary Parish, Marion; and Holy Family-St. William Parish, Wittenberg.)