The Joy of Lent

We've arrived! Lent is upon us, and we are called to unite ourselves to the sufferings of Christ in this grace-filled time. As I prepared for this season this last week, trying to think of some new penance to undertake, I kept thinking of the typical negatives: no chocolate, no meat, no sleeping on a pillow, etc. I was stumped trying to come up with something original, something that I could do while being pregnant, and something that would truly be a sacrifice that would help me grow closer to Christ. So rather than making a list of the negatives, I thought, "What virtues do I need to grow in?"

The one that dominated, was joy. Lent is not often associated with the virtue of joy, but in actuality, "Mortification only produces sadness when there is in its practice too much selfishness and a lack of generosity and love of God. Sacrifice always brings with it joy in the midst of pain, the happiness of knowing that we are fulfilling God's will, and of making the effort to love him." (1 Cor 8:10) While watching the Dominican Sisters on Oprah last week, I was reminded of the few precious moments I've been blessed to spend with them. Each time, it was so hard to leave because the joy of Christ which radiates from them, is so infectious. It is not that these women have an easier life than I, for they've given their entire lives over to Christ for the sake of the kingdom. It is a matter of perspective and a life of virtue.

This true Christian joy can be some of the best evangelization, and we are called to share it with everyone in our lives, especially those closest to us. During Lent, the Lord calls us to mortify ourselves, and there are certainly some tough penances we can take on, and we should feel the difficulty, as Christ's cross was not light. But it is also a time to be aware of the passive mortifications in our lives (the ones we can't control). Whether it's something as miniscule as picking up the trail of clothes your husband leaves around the house, or a great suffering like grieving the loss of a friend or family member, we are called to smile when we don't feel like it, to give hugs and kisses to those we love, to perform our daily duties with the people we do them in mind, and do everything with the love and joy of Christ.

For even as we mourn the passion of Our Lord, we always hope in the resurrection. So happy fasting, because it is in these moments that the Lord unites us closer to Him and reminds us that He is ultimately, all we need, or want.

As a way of expanding this virtue in your life, I challenge everyone to think of some way you can bring joy to those in your home on a daily basis, and those in your community each week, and take on a positive this Lent.