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In coming days, millions of Catholics will cut out chocolate, coffee, soda, tobacco or whatever else tempts their desire. It is not because prices are too high; it is because the holy season of Lent is here.

Fasting, or "giving something up," is only one of several things that the Church calls on Catholics to do throughout the 40 days of Lent.

The word "Lent" comes from an old English word for "springtime." Lent is probably the Church's best-known season. Who will miss "getting ash-es?" Who has not been asked, "What are you giving up for Lent this year?"

Lent is the 40-day season of preparation for the Paschal Triduum, the celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord. The 40 days are counted from the first Sunday of Lent until Holy Thursday.

Lent ends on Holy Thursday. The four days between Ash Wednesday and the first Sunday are an introduction to the season. We are instructed in the three Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

However, Lent is probably the least understood of the liturgical year's seasons. Lent is both communal and personal. Lent has been called the Church's retreat and a personal journey to new life.

We have all been through more Lents than we may wish to acknowledge. How will we spend Lent 2010? An easy way to journey the 40 days of Lent is to make a personal motto for yourself - something to carry around in your wallet or cell phone.

Here's one: "God first, others second, me third."

At the journey's end, we expect to be somewhere different than where we started. Will Lent 2010 bring us to our own personal Easter of new life?

(Father Rosson is pastor of St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" parish in Cooperstown.)

Editor's note: During the season of Lent, we will feature a weekly commentary on its various aspects and observance.

(02/11/10) [[In-content Ad]]

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