One time someone called to make a reservation at the convent for a Lenten retreat. A little later, she called back and asked us whether there would be regular meals. She was concerned that we sisters, and our guests, might be on a strict diet of bread and water for Lent. She was pleased to discover that we not only had beautiful, nutritious, and tasty meals, but even offered dessert (!!) on Sunday.
There is a deep tradition suggesting that austerity is good, and more austerity might be even better. As a child, I thought of Lent as a time to give up something I liked, and usually ended up quite resentful, dreaming of chocolate, and perhaps even a bit less holy in the process.
Instead, what if Lenten discipline were to include not only any socks-pulling-up exercises that might be advisable, but also a commitment to seek out, nourish, and encourage joy as a foundation for our life in Christ? “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness…” (Gal 5:22).
First, we might discern what gives us joy, that is, what gives each one of us a profound sense of rest and well-being, lightness in spirit, and openness of heart. We might find joy in a special and memorable event of the past or a long-time and faithful friendship. It might be a ministry fulfilled and well done. It might even be found in sharing a delicious dessert on a special occasion.
Grounding our practices in joy need not be a denial of the conflict and evil in the world, but rather a strengthening of the spirit and nurturing of our souls for the journey. As St. Paul wrote, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:13).
In our Lenten preparations, we might take the time and energy to nourish joy and thereby overflow with love for God and for one another. In so doing, we might move the world just a tiny bit toward becoming a more loving, joyful, and compassionate place, with trust always in a loving and merciful God.
–Sr. Ellen Francis, OSH
How might you prepare for Lent this year in a way that leads to joy? How might you share this joy with others?
You know, I know that my salvation is worth more than 40 pieces of chocolate, but I've come to think differently about the "temptations" and "sacrifice" of Lent. We are headed into what, for me and many others, is one of the most challenging Lents in my lifetime. The temptation to return evil for evil is strong. I have this idea that small acts of resistance can strengthen my resolve to resist that temptation. I'm thinking it might be a discipline, like the Karate Kid did with "wax on/wax off" - thinking he had simply been conned into waxing Mr Miyagi's cars but what he had actually done was spent a whole day learning a defensive posture. So, for me,…
Thank you, Sr, Ellen Francis. This has become my way if navigating the Lenten journey fior a number of years now.
I write to thank you for your upbeat newsletter and for the "Foundation for Joy." I have made room for more quiet reflection, thanksgiving, and prayer today, Ash Wednesday. (All the while we have been under a tornado watch.)
And I am mindful of hurting souls in Ukraine, the Middle East, and in the U.S.
Gratitude begets generosity, and I am grateful for your words, ministries, and lives of prayer.
And so you see why my spirit resonates with these words:
"Grounding our practices in joy need not be a denial of the conflict and evil in the world, but rather a strengthening of the spirit and nurturing of our souls for the journey."
Thank you for this encouragement.