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February 9, 2024The Forty Days of Lent
Each year, the Church invites all of her children to make a communal retreat. It is a symbolic invitation to go out into the desert, as Jesus did, and to fast and pray for forty days. Jesus did this in anticipation of the beginning of his public ministry. We must remember that He was around 30 years old at this time. For 30 years, he lived a simple, humble life as a carpenter in the small town of Nazareth.
As a retreat master for over 30 years, I always recommend that every Catholic should make at least one weekend retreat every year (in addition to Lent). Every Catholic should go away to a retreat center, or somewhere (ideally a beautiful, silent place) just for the purpose of talking to God and listening to God. Great miracles happen on these retreats because Jesus is never outdone in generosity. But most Catholics tell me that they have never done this, or they have not done this in many years. Remember: God only speaks to a silent heart!
Jesus knew that he needed God the Father to be with Him as he prepared for his very short public ministry which would end with his walk to Calvary. He knew that he would be crucified, and die, and He knew that he would rise. It is essential to make a retreat to prepare to go to Calvary.
But we are all going to Calvary! Some of us are farther along that road than others, but we are all going. Whatever happened to Jesus must happen to us. We are His disciples. Calvary, and the Cross, may be different for each of us, but we cannot rise with Christ until we suffer and die with Him. We preach Christ crucified, says St. Paul. Therefore…the Church gives us Lent; 40 days in the desert to get ready for this event in our individual lives. The priest prays on Ash Wednesday, as he imposes ashes on your forehead: “Remember man that you are dust and unto dust you shall return.” This is not morbidity. It is wisdom.
How seriously do you take your personal relationship with Jesus Christ? On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the most serious, how would you rate yourself? As a Lenten resolution to consider, increase that number by at least two digits during the 40 Days of Lent. Celebrate Easter Sunday this year as the best Catholic you have ever been!
Once again, search for a place of silence in your life. Not just a retreat center, but search for a daily place of silence to talk to God and to listen to God. Drop by the church during the week. Pray more, fast more, give more alms…and get your soul ready to walk to Calvary.
Lent is a serious time but also a joyful time. In the end, we win! Christ has risen! And so will you.
Fr. Brett Brannen
Pastor
Lenten Classes on Prayer: Fr. Brannen will be teaching a series of four classes on how to pray well, and how to go deeper in your relationship with Jesus. He will cover mental prayer, Lectio Divina, meditation and contemplation. The classes will be taught in the conference room (or church) on Feb 15, 22, 29 and March 14th…6:00-7:30 p.m. Bring your Bible !
