Forty Days of Focused Intention

The number forty symbolizes the death with oneself and the spiritual rebirth. It represents the complete and sufficient period to finish a work. It is a time for shaking off encumbrances and breaking through to spiritual renewal. 

The Lenten Season allows us to join with others around the world in making a personal and communal shift. Much like New Year’s resolutions, we garner strength from others who are going through a similar process. Different from resolutions, we will find solace with many who are faithful to their pledge. 

The methods and processes for observing Lent will vary from daily dietary fast, abstinence from defined behaviors and pleasures, daily and constant prayer and supplication, attendance of religious services, and giving to the those less fortunate either through service or alms. Some people are silent and personal during this period of contemplation, while others are exclamatory, begging pardon for their lack of participation due to self-denial.

This is my second year honoring this shared time observance. In the past, I set aside a specific time and cleansing routine for spring. It turns out that lent means spring, from the German lentz and the Dutch, lente. It was named after the lengthening of the days. I began my cleanse with the equinox. This year I begin on Ash Wednesday, though Eastern Orthodox began today, Ash Monday.

This season let us give up self-recrimination, doubt, regrets, and thoughts of anger of resentment. Let us daily affirm our connection with one another by reaching out to touch another human being in love and compassion. Follow along or share your reflections during the next forty days. 

No man knows how bad he is until he has tried very hard to be good. A silly idea is current that good people do not know what temptation means. This is an obvious lie. Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is. After all, you find out the strength of the German army by fighting it, not by giving in. A man who gives in to temptation after five minutes simply does not know what it would have been like an hour later.

That is why bad people, in one sense, know very little about badness. They have lived a sheltered life by always giving in. We never find out the strength of the evil impulse inside us until we try to fight it.

(C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, p 13)

Lent is not a deprivation, but rather a reminder of what you have been blessed with. By depriving self of your blessings, you remember them with more appreciation (Mom H.)

Blessed Be!