Today marks the beginning of the Catholic season of Lent, a time often associated with sacrifice, somberness, and reflection. Growing up, I was taught a version of Lent that emphasized the emotional disposition one ought to have—one of solemnity, self-denial denial, and guilt. My mother, who was not the best Catechist, stressed that Lent was a time for putting away joy and fun. I remember once when my school organized a dance on a Friday during Lent, my mother was so upset that she called the principal to protest. This shaped my early understanding of Lent as a period where joy was forbidden, and anything that might bring happiness was to be set aside. There was a thick layer of guilt, as if acknowledging the gifts in my life was somehow disrespectful to those who were suffering.
As a result, I dreaded the 40 days of guilt-driven joy suppression. But over time, my understanding of Lent has evolved, and I now see it through a different lens—one that embraces suffering and sacrifice in a much richer and more meaningful way. I look forward to Lent as a time to prepare myself for Easter and to hold onto joy in the midst of suffering, rather than suppress it. Lent is not meant to be a time of forced sorrow, but a season of intentional reflection and right ordering of our lives toward the reality that Christ conquered even death!
Through proper catechesis and reflecting on the nature of pain and suffering in therapy sessions with my patients, I have come to understand that Lent is not about feeling bad for my blessings or denying myself out of duty. It’s about entering into the reality of suffering, not to wallow in sorrow, but to grow through it. It’s a chance to unite my small sacrifices with Christ’s, to engage in acts of self-discipline that lead me to a deeper sense of self-mastery and spiritual growth and to shake away all that distracts or makes me forget that “death has no sting!” How much of my life do I order around self-protection rather than allowing the Lord to protect me? Lent becomes a time to put down the things that keep me from the Lord.
This is a sacred season that calls for reflection, renewal, and a return to what is truly important in life. It invites us into a period of deep introspection, a time to reorder and prioritize our lives in alignment with our spiritual and moral values. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, distractions and other priorities often creep in, clouding our sense of purpose and our relationship with God. Lent, therefore, becomes an opportunity to pause, assess, and realign ourselves with the core of who we are and what we are meant to be.
Lent calls us to consciously engage in practices of discipline, whether through fasting, prayer, or almsgiving. These practices are not just outward acts but are intended to cultivate inner strength and control over our desires. When we fast, for instance, we practice restraint—not just over food, but over our impulses and cravings. Through this, we come to realize that we are not at the mercy of our desires but can shape our responses and actions according to higher principles. The season asks us to examine where we have gone astray, where we have allowed the world’s noise to drown out the still, small voice of God. By engaging in practices of fasting, prayer, and reflection, we work toward purifying our hearts and minds, redirecting ourselves toward living in faith, hope, and charity.
As you embark on this Lenten journey, I invite you to shift your focus away from simply asking, “What should I do for Lent?” or “What should I give up?” Instead, ask yourself: What gets in the way of my love for God and others in my life? Reflect on the distractions, attachments, and habits that may be hindering your relationship with Him and those around you. Lent is a time to clear away what weighs you down and make space for deeper love, connection, and growth. Let this season be a chance to remove the obstacles that keep you from living with a heart fully open to God’s love and the needs of others. The change you seek may not always be about what you give up, but about what you let go of in your heart. So, this season, I hope to celebrate Lent and hold onto joy in the midst of the struggle – calling to mind the real power of the resurrection and the presence of Christ in all things.