Ash Wednesday start of Lent

The Lenten Season begins on Ash Wednesday March 5. While many look forward to this time for opportunities for spiritual growth and renewal, quite often many people see it as a liturgical season to dread focusing on “What am I going to give up?” “How long can I live without whatever it is I am going to give up?” “How many more days before I don’t have to give up whatever it is that I am giving up?”

Who would not dread a liturgical season with such a narrow focus?

Over these next few days, everyone is encouraged to begin reflecting anew on the real purpose of Lent, the power such a season can be for everyone, and the real potential for a deeper commitment to the Catholic faith, and most important, a deeper communion of love with God. Such a deeper understanding provides a new attitude for Lent.

Baptism is one of Lent’s foundational focuses. At the Easter Vigil, the catechumens (referred to as “the elect”) will be fully initiated as Catholics through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

It is no coincidence that on Easter Sunday, all the baptized will renew their baptismal promises. Note that they are going to “renew” their baptismal promises and not merely “repeat” them. “Repeating” simply recalls something that happened in the past. “Renew” is entirely different. “Renewing” baptismal promises recognizes something still foundational in a person’s life.

Renewing baptismal promises opens hearts to God’s grace. Grace reveals God’s great love for everyone and God’s purpose for their lives. This great divine love energizes our own love and leads people to a deeper commitment to live these promises more faithfully. Easter is one time in the liturgical year for everyone to remember that they are baptized once for a lifetime and not merely once in a lifetime. Lent is the time set aside to prepare to make that renewal faithfully.

The world, the country and the Church all need people to rediscover the beauty and power of baptism and the call to be co-redeemers with the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism calls people to a life of holiness that reveals Jesus’ great and merciful love to all humanity and all creation. Faith also commits the people of God to restoring the human community and all creation to a life of justice, peace, and solidarity.