Pandemic Lent

Ash Wednesday (February 17^th) marks the beginning of Lent. Sprinkled with ashes (touch free this year!), the Church enters into 40 days of penance and prayer. In Christ, we confront the reality of sin and evil, in our personal lives and in the world around us. With him we die to anything and everything that keeps us from God.

But wait. Haven't we been living Lent since March of last year? We've been cut off from family and friends. We haven't been able to dine out at our favourite restaurants, play team sports or enjoy a night at the movies. School online is a penance for students and teachers alike. And working from home has been a frustrating experience. Maybe it's time to rethink our approach to Lent.

Want to give something up? How about our constant whining and complaining about pandemic restrictions? That would certainly lift the mood in most households and workplaces. We might also limit time spent on social media and tune in to real, live people instead.

We all complain that we've got too much empty time on our hands. Ever thought about setting aside time, every day, to make contact with isolated family and friends? A simple email can be a lifeline for the lonely. How about shopping or running necessary errands for those who can't get out and about? Thinking about others is the antidote to a self-centered lifestyle.

And of course, Lent is a time for prayer. Pandemic restrictions make this a graced opportunity to spend time with the Lord. We can bring him our joys and sorrows, our frustrations and anxiety. And if we listen patiently we will quickly discover that he has lots to say to us. Pray as a family. Try the Rosary. Read the scriptures. The possibilities are endless.

If we find ourselves constantly shopping online for things we don't really need, we could break that chain by donating some of that money to local charities (ShareLife?). How about doing a weekly shopping for a local food bank, or providing warm winter clothing for people who live on the streets. It's really all about channelling our frustrations into service to others. Need some contacts? Call the parish office.

February 17^th is Ash Wednesday. The ashes sprinkled on our heads are an invitation to make big changes in our lives. A call to die with Jesus to sin and selfishness. We can write it off as one more depressing day in an equally depressing year. Or embrace it as an opportunity to grow in love for God and one another. Jesus stands before us with open arms. How will we respond?