Stay in the Lenten Season!

We know that even in the 6th century, Lent was part of the Liturgical calendar. In Benedict’s Rule, written around 530 AD, chapter 49 gives us his instructions on the Observance of Lent. Benedict tells us, “The life of a monastic ought to be a continuous Lent.” It is natural for us to be eager for the celebration of the Resurrection, to “look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing.”

But consider the importance of staying fully present in the season of Lent. It’s a time of personal and community preparation for Easter. A time to give a little extra to our prayer practices, to commit to voluntary abstinences, self-discipline and the Sacrament of Penance. Benedict quotes 1 Thessalonians 1:6 in his chapter about Lent, “During these days we will, therefore, we will add to the usual measure of our service something by way of private prayer and abstinence from food or drink, so that each of us will have something above the assigned measure to offer God of our own will with the joy of the Holy Spirit.”

Don’t look too far ahead – stay in the Lenten season!