Renew us in Spirit - The Lenten Journey

Lent is the season when change is in the air. So we pray on the First Sunday of Lent:  “May this sacrifice help us to change our lives”.

The Early Story of Lent

The complex history of Lent indicates that this season is meant to lead us to the waters of Baptism – whether for the first time or as a renewal of our Baptism.

The fourth century liturgies tell us that this was the time when those seeking Baptism were focussed on the complete turning of their hearts and lives to the gospel message. Their journey of conversion would culminate in the celebration of initiation at the Easter Vigil.

This century also provides us with evidence of another facet of Lent.  Those who had turned away from living the gospel were to spend this time in fasting and penance. This penance was meant to return them to baptismal freshness. On Holy Thursday the bishop would welcome them back to gather around the Eucharistic table.

Our Lenten liturgies reflect both these themes of conversion of heart whether by the ‘tears of repentance or through the waters of Baptism’.

‘From Ashes to Easter’

From the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday through to its end on Holy Thursday we are called to ‘Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel’.

Since the ashes used are to come from the branches blessed in the preceding year for Passion Sunday (Sacramentary: Ash Wednesday) it could be appropriate to invite parishioners to bring in their old palms on the Sunday before Lent.  During Lent the bowl of ashes could be placed near the entrance as another reminder of the purpose of our Lenten journey.

In the Preface of Lent 1, we are told that God gives us ‘this joyful season when we prepare to  celebrate the paschal mystery with mind and heart renewed’. In our Lenten penance we are not simply ‘doing something for Lent’ but rather we are receiving strength to purify our hearts, to control our desires, and so serve God in freedom. 

Adding New Members to the Church

The various stages of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults are celebrated in the Sunday liturgies in many parishes. The Celebration of the Scrutinies are a good opportunity for the whole community to be reminded again of this time of conversion. The presence of those seeking Baptism calls each of us to ‘master our sinfulness and conquer our pride’.    (Preface of Lent1 11)

Violet drapes and vestments draw our eyes to the penitential character of Lent as does the absence of flowers. Musicians need to read through hymn words to ensure Alleluia is omitted.

As we ‘more diligently listen to the word of God’ (CSL 109) during these forty days and devote ourselves to prayer we shall be ready to celebrate the Paschal Mystery.

This article was originally published in ‘Liturgical Seasons’. ©  Diocese of Parramatta. 1999, 2000, 2007. Reprinted with permission.