A few days ago, my good friend, Tess, phoned me. She was excited to remind me that March 5^th was just around the corner. At first, I did not know what she was talking about. I thought she was referring to someone’s birthday or anniversary. I asked her: “What about March 5^th?” She said: “March 5^th, Ash Wednesday! I love Lent and I always look forward to the season. I can pray more and cook my favorite meatless soup, tomato basil! I am so excited!”  In my 22 years of priesthood, Tess was probably the first person I met who was excited about Lent. Perhaps most of us think of Lent as not a joyful season. But when we think about it, she’s right. We should be excited. Lent is our forty days of preparation for Easter, not Good Friday.

The scripture readings for Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, are filled with joy. The Prophet Joel proclaims: “Return to me with your whole heart…. blow the trumpet.”  St. Paul in the second reading says: “Be ambassadors for Christ.”  And in the gospel, Jesus says: “Do not look gloomy.”  Do you hear anything sad about Lent? Nothing! I hear JOY!

I believe the problem is when we see Lent as an ordeal. We lose its true meaning. It becomes a burden, something we have to do rather than an invitation to take part. This does not mean that we don’t have to pray, fast, and give alms. We have to practice these disciplines. But when we do, there must be joy! If not, we can become tired. If we see Lent solely as an added event to our busy lives, then certainly there can be no joy.

Lent is our yearly invitation to pray more that is to spend more time with our God who loves us, to eat less and consume less to make space for other important things. And to give alms, to help someone in need. This is exciting!

Remember, just as Advent calls us to prepare for the gift of the Christ Child, Lent invites us to prepare for the gift of the Risen Christ. Lent reminds us that by dying Jesus destroyed death forever and by rising He has restored all of us to eternal life. We are not Good Friday people. We are Easter people, people of hope and joy!

Happy and Joyful Lent everyone!