Lent is meant to be a time of repentance. That is not a sense of shame, but rather an understanding of how sin separates us from God and what it took for Him to be reconciled with us. The Lenten Season is a time when people commemorate Jesus Christ's sufferings and death. During the Lenten season, people traditionally do three things: pray, fast, and give alms.
As a centuries-old Lent tradition, prayer accompanies fasting. During the Easter season, we should pray to develop our spiritual discipline and deepen our relationship with God. The second is fasting, which is a well-known component of Lent and was inspired by Jesus' 40-day fast in the wilderness. Christians fast to strengthen their control over worldly temptations such as food. Last but not least, giving to others is a custom of the Lent season, inspired by Jesus' instruction to "love your neighbor as yourself." While we should give to others in love throughout the year, an extra focus is put on it during the time of Lent.
During this season, two important virtues are also observed: mercy and compassion. Simple measures can be taken to do this. First, surrender to God. People avoid conducting their errands and routines during this stage. This step is typically observed on the Lord's Day, when people attend church and devote time to God. We forget about the pressures of our profession and spend a lot of time with our families and ourselves, just as the word "rest" actually denotes. Second, one must rejuvenate oneself. Renewing ourselves does not imply loving ourselves more. It does not display any additional content. Even if there are many ways to observe Lent, it is essential to understand its true core and value in our lives and religion as Catholics.
In the midst of all our trials and tribulations, we must allow ourselves to be renewed by God and others, as well as rejuvenate others. We must observe the Lenten season in a simple and meaningful manner rather than an elaborate one. We must understand humility and sincere forgiveness. We must understand how to prepare for and be conscious of our future encounter with Jesus Christ. The Lenten Season is not only a time to reflect on Christ's sufferings, such as being nailed to the Cross, but it is also a time for renewal. The Lenten season allows us to see changes in our lives as Catholics while also being a change in others lives.
My Holy Week was wonderful; it was a week of spiritual rebirth. I spent Holy Week with my father's family in La Union. This year's Holy Week will always have a special place in my heart because it was the most amazing and delightful Holy Week I've ever had. For me, the Easter Vigil is the highlight of the week. As night falls, the Easter Vigil Mass is held. Our church is silently waiting in the dark. The light of Christ has left the world, and darkness has set in wherever the Easter Vigil Mass is held. In the darkness, a match will be struck, and the Easter fires will be lit outside the church, symbolizing Christ's resurrection from the tomb. Jesus Christ is the light that shines in the midst of our world's darkness.
We gather around a brand new fire that has begun to burn, and for the first time, a new paschal candle will be lit. The priest takes on the role of Jesus Christ as he leads the crowd to the darkened, empty church. Then a new Easter candle was lit, leading the march of God's people. The priest performs "in the persona of Christ," taking the newly lit paschal candle inside the church, which is completely dark and awaits his return. For the first time since Good Friday, he brings Christ's light inside the church. Only Jesus Christ can dispel the gloom in our lives. Everything we do and are is meaningless without him. He is the source of all the love, light, and goodness in our lives. Our individual candles will collectively fill the entire church with light, symbolizing the light of Christ that burns within each of us.
As I went home, I felt calm and content, which I had never felt before. I recognized that Holy Week was more than just a series of religious events; it was a profound reminder of the meaning of life and the value of religion. I was grateful to have been a part of such a lovely and meaningful occasion. I was able to reflect on Jesus' love, sacrifice, and resurrection. It was a period when I became closer to God and strengthened my resolve to live a life of love, compassion, and service to others.
Overall, Lent is a time of inner reflection, self-sacrifice, denial, and repentance. If something has a grip on you, more than likely, it’s become unhealthy. It may or may not be an idol. Lent is an opportunity to grow closer to God, to remember Jesus’ life and death, and to focus more on him and less on ourselves and our busy schedules.
Reference:
IPL, The Importance of Lenten Season, Retrieve April 24, 2023 <https://www.ipl.org/essay/Importance-Of-Lenten-Season-P3HL7LNPC48R>
cross, retrieve april 24, 2023 <https://i0.wp.com/margefenelon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/cross-671379_960_720.jpg>
cru, What id Lent All About, and Why is it Important, Retrieve April 24, 2023, <https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/life-and-relationships/holidays/lent/what-is-lent-about-and-why-is-it-important.html>
Christianity.com, What is Lents Meaning and Purpose, Candice Lucey, Retrieve April 24, 2023 <https://www-christianity-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-the-purpose-of-lent.html?amp=1&_gsa=1&_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_ct=1682329072657&_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=16823287659529&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.christianity.com%2Fwiki%2Fholidays%2Fwhat-is-the-purpose-of-lent.html>
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