Lent has begun. We’ve observed Ash Wednesday and the first Sunday of Lent with six more Sundays and most of the 40 weekdays to go until Easter. That means six more meatless Fridays to go.
Once again, however, I am hearing my senior citizen friends say, “Not me! I’m exempt.” No, you are not. The Church’s rule is that seniors do not have to fast on Ash Wednesday or Good Friday, but they do have to abstain on Fridays throughout Lent.
In a previous blog, I pointed out that Catholics are supposed to abstain from meat on every Friday of the year. However, you can substitute abstaining with other forms of sacrifice such as giving a donation or volunteering your time to charity. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/musingsfromthepew/2021/09/observing-meatless-fridays/
During Lent, instead of substitutions, or in addition to your regular sacrificial practice, you are asked to abstain from meat. Seniors are excused from fasting in case that would be difficult for health reasons. For many, though, fasting is not a problem.
It amazes me that so many Catholics, old or young, look for loopholes or rebel against such simple sacrifices. It doesn’t hurt anyone even a tiny bit to have a meatless Friday, especially when there are so many vegetarian and seafood options that are delicious.
You’d think people would appreciate the opportunity for some variety in their diet. Observing meatless Fridays is also a worthwhile signal, to oneself and others, that you are Catholic. Sadly, in our “no rules” society, even these little actions seem onerous to some.
Giving Up or Adding In?
As to giving up something for Lent, maybe we need an attitude adjustment there as well. People tend to give up what they shouldn’t be doing anyway like eating sweets or drinking alcohol.
If Lent means finally going on a diet, then it doesn’t seem to be much of a sacrifice if you would benefit from one. Then again, why not choose a change that will benefit you? Penance and repentance are all about self-improvement, aren’t they?
It’s not too late to exchange what you are “giving up” for what you could be “adding in.” Here are some suggestions for positive actions during Lent:
- Increase your prayer time — there are so many benefits to spending more time with God. You may find that there’s time in your usual schedule after all.
- Increase your volunteer time — You’ll feel more valuable and purposeful, increase your social skills and awareness, meet new friends, and have fun.
- Donate to a charity — you may already donate but Lenten sacrifice means digging a little deeper.
- Read a spiritually thought-provoking or uplifting book — if the point of Lenten preparation is contemplation of our relationship with God, then reading a book that will help to guide us is valuable and beneficial.
- Give up or cut back on social media or video games to spend that time with your family or to do volunteer work — there are many ill effects to getting lost in social media or computer games, but many benefits to volunteering or reading.
- Go on retreat — Lent is the perfect time for reflection and preparation.
- Reach out to friends and family — as part of repentance, make amends with those you’ve offended or just make an extra effort to keep the bonds of love strong.
Make Lent Your Springtime
Certainly, you don’t have to do all these things. Pick just one thing and concentrate on it. Doing too much leads to frenzy. You don’t want to end up stressed and resentful about what should have been an enriching time.
Remember that “Lenten” comes from a Middle English word for springtime (when the days lengthen). So, use Lent as a time for the spring cleaning of your soul and for planting the seeds that will grow and bloom later in your life, nutritious and beautiful.
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