For a season of heightened perspective.
Little did I know on that Wednesday morning when I received the holy ashes, that down the road our family would not be in church for Holy Thursday Mass. For us, traditionally, one of the most meaningful observances of the Easter weekend. This has been, to say the least, the strangest Lent I have ever experienced.
Typically, this is a very chill 40-day period of reflection, renewal and fasting, and of beautiful Masses and celebrations. Typically. But, deaths by the thousands and the scarcity of toilet paper have made it anything but chill or typical. Add the fact that the Eucharist is absent from our lives at the moment and, yes, It’s all beyond mind-boggling.
Then there’s the irony — a time during which many renounce alcohol or chocolate and give up social media for the sake of spiritual growth (yes, I said spiritual growth), has turned into a time of consuming alcohol and chocolate, and living on social media for the sake of sanity. Too surreal for Lent. Too surreal, period. But here we are. Weeks into this pandemic and on Holy Thursday. Tonight my family will attend a livestreamed Mass. Different feel, different platform, same God. Thankfully, He is everywhere.
As this Lenten season nears the end, I rather not think about what we’ve had to give up or what this unexpected and disruptive season has taken from us. I’m trying to focus on what it has provided those of us who are still breathing: much time to spare. For more praying, for more loving, for more hoping. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” That thought is my hope and my sanity, now more than ever.
For the most profound Lent ever, and a season of heightened perspective, today and always, I am thankful.
Wishing all of you a very blessed Easter.
What are you thankful for today?
Until next Thursday’s post…si Dios quiere.
“Unless there is a Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday.”
-F.J. Sheen
“In life we live a mystery, not a formula.”
-Father J. Huard
[Note: In case you’re not Spanglish-speaking, “si Dios quiere” means God-willing. Mom finished most of her sentences with that phrase. I added it to my sendoff in her honor after her passing].
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.”
Love that.
So very true, Connie. As we reflect this Lent, we learn that a kiss and a hug is more precious than money, that our Lord suffered as many have suffered, not being able to breathe on the Cross… We realize now more than ever that loving and speaking to one another is more important than a text. Although thanks to all this technology we are able to communicate, visiting one another is as important. We have spent more time talking to family and friends than ever…. Lent, indeed, has made us reflect and meditate on what is really important, Jesus in our lives….
Connie, Thank you for reminding us of how rich we really are…for family, for time and for health!
“Amen” to that…. Boop
Happy Easter Connie to you and your family!
Hoping you come out with a second book soon!