What is Lent really about?

Have you ever really asked yourself what Lent is about? For years, I focused on what I had to give up, never paying attention to prayer or almsgiving. I gave up coffee, chocolate, or some tolerating item on the usual Lenten list because for years, I just merely wanted to get through Lent. When I did try to take it seriously, I struggled and never focused on the joy, only on the burden.

But all of that changed last year when I gave up going out to eat for Lent.

While it helped my pocketbook, I realized there were other blessings. I was spending more time in my classroom, more time with students and building connections with them, instead of racing off campus during lunch. My sacrifice became more than giving up; rather, I was giving back.

I also made a Marian consecration with my parish. However, I didn’t get to finish or attend the consecration, for on the final day, my father broke his hip, which would eventually lead to his decline in health and his passing months later.  

I learned through those prayers leading up and attending to his needs, I had completed all three parts of Lent through my service to my dad.  In the hospital, I was praying with him, I was sacrificing my time, and I was giving of myself.  And I don’t regret one single moment of it. The love and healing I gained from that time with him, reminded me of all the love and sacrifice Jesus gave me.  And from that point forward, everything changed for me.

Lent was transformative...

So, this year, I wanted to do something equally profound.

I started cutting out meals, thinking this fasting would benefit my health and my spirituality. But I soon realized that was not realistic with my lifestyle, so I focused only on prayer and almsgiving.

It started from the Hail Mary... “Blessed is the Fruit of your womb.” Fruit? That’s a funny word for lent. But the word fruit, kept reappearing.

Hmm…. Ok.  I guess that means Jesus is calling me?

"Go to daily mass." I kept hearing.

So off I went. I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Then one day at mass, I made the connection….

“ I am the vine you are the branches. He who remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.”

The Eucharist bears much Fruit.

By going to Mass and receiving the Eucharist, I remain in Him. I realized my fasting was giving up resentment and anger, giving up my lack of attention, and being more present. By going to daily mass, I was receiving the fruits of Lent.

This morning at mass, the priest said something that stuck….

Lent is not about what we give up but what we become.

And it all came together. Lent is not about getting through but being transformed. And that transformation is love. When we sacrifice, we should sacrifice for the sake of love, not because we have to. If we are merely trudging along, then we miss out on the fruits of Lent.

For the first time in probably ever, I am having a joyful lent. I thought this time needed to be a time of sacrifice, But I fully misunderstood what sacrifice meant.  

True sacrifice is love. Love for my father, love for my students, love for Jesus

So what is Lent really about? You guessed it. Love.

As you continue your Lenten journey this year, Ask yourself this question. Who is Jesus calling you to be?   How is your sacrifice calling you to be more loving?

Slow down, listen honestly, and see what fruits he places before you.