The idea of “giving up something for Lent” seems to appeal to a wide range of people, of all creeds and convictions. Lent began in the early 4th century. It was period of serious reform of life for the people who were going to be baptized on Easter night, when the Church celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. Our word Lent is related to “lengthen”: in the northern hemisphere, daylight is increasing. Other languages use terms derived from the Latin for “forty” – roughly the number of days in Lent. Before Jesus started his mission of healing and preaching, he spent 40 days in the desert, experiencing hunger, isolation, and temptation. The figure 40 reminded his Jewish followers of the 40 years the people of Israel wandered in the desert, after being freed from slavery but before they entered the land God had promised them.
So, this Christian season combines many meanings and layers: the cycles of nature as the world emerges from darkness into flourishing and birth; leaving behind familiarity and comfort, to confront and triumph over whatever diminishes us; following a call that leads into a journey whose end we cannot know but which promises abundance. Lent involves death to everything that is inauthentic and superficial, however attractive those things might be – and birth into a relationship that gives freedom and a new identity far greater than we can imagine.
“What shall I give up for Lent?” is something I get asked a lot. My cardiologist would certainly be impressed by my giving up chocolate, but I think God is interested in other things. A good Lent involves introspection, to face up to the parts of our inner lives where we are least free and most self-centered. Then comes the discipline of doing something about it – with God’s support. Perfection is not required; a slight course correction can be enough. And carrying out our Lenten practices in company with others is often very helpful: please check out the offerings of the Center for Ignatian Spirituality .
But if anyone is looking for a simple answer to what to do for Lent, I’d suggest: Turning off cellphones and computers; being more grateful; having and using less in order to be more. And always giving to those who have less than we do.
Happy Lent is not an oxymoron.
