Forty days from port
Far in the dark depths of the sea
Where sails the vessel
That bares us homeward.
Light now distant
Love now dormant
Only the trail of blood on the waves
From the Crown of Thorns to follow
To that day when Hope is reborn.
A few days ago, as I sat in my philosophy class, Honours Reality and Human Existence, we as a class were discussing the laws of God, and in a sense the laws of the Church. One of the highest points of the year in terms of observance of sacred law is Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday (22 February).
For many years, I’ve often wondered about the reasoning behind giving up things for Lent. How does giving up sweets or French fries bring a person closer to God? All it seems to do is give that person a bad mood and a thinner waistline. Last year, however I came upon the reasoning behind the giving up of certain aspects of one’s daily life for the Lenten duration. There’s something special about making sacrifices for a higher purpose. Often in our modern culture, in works considered to be fantasy there will often be a character who sacrifices their self for their friends or whatever cause they may support. Sure, it’s noble to give one’s life for one’s friends, but the whole hope for Lent is that you’ll make it through to Easter, and to be quite honest I don’t think the Church would really look highly upon people who decide to put themselves into harmful situations just to make a sacrifice.
I have spoken at length now about the two extremes of sacrifice, the minimal of giving up something material to the extreme of red martyrdom. What I propose as a perfect solution to the question of “What should I give up for Lent this year”, I’d recommend something more moderate, yet something that will bring you closer to Christ. A part of Lent is that it is symbolic of Christ’s 40 days in the desert, during which He was tormented and tested by the Devil. And yet, Jesus was able to overcome those temptations for a number of reasons. One of the greatest, I believe, is that He did not fear the Devil like so many do. It is a concept that I’ve meditated on for quite sometime. Darkness can only take control when we elect to snuff out our candle. In this light it makes sense that we are responsible for our own torment. Consider again the greatest gift after life that God has given to us, free will. Through this gift He is able to show us the true fullness of His love for us. However, through this gift, we now have the choice of turning away from God. Such an action is the source of Sin, the root of darkness, for if God is the Light of the World (using that term in reference to the Latin mundus referring not just to the World but also to the Universe, i.e. all of Creation) then to turn away from Him would be to elect to dwell in darkness, to live a lie, for it is nonsensical to both deny God and accept His gifts of life and free will, the latter of which is necessary for us to make such a foolish election in the first place.
What I recommend in regards to your Lenten sacrifice is to give up that which separates you from God, what eliminates love from your life. As I write this, Fauré’s Pavane for Choir and Orchestra is playing on my computer. It is interesting that that would play as these lines are written, for it brings joyful thoughts and images to mind. Perhaps then, as I speak of how best to unite oneself with God, it is best to keep in mind that which is joyous to think of. Consider the description of how to cast a Patronus charm in the Harry Potter novels of J.K. Rowling, such a spell is said to be able to drive away the dementing powers of sorrow and depression far from the caster, one must recall their happiest memory. Why not try this during the coming Lent and even during the other liturgical seasons when sorrow is nigh and joy is naught in your heart.
As I conclude this answer to the great Lenten question, I must acknowledge the philosophical and theological roots of my response. Remember that Jesus always said we should “love” never did he command us to “hate.” Lent is a time for us to welcome our God into our hearts, a time for us to banish the darkness forever, and live a more full and logical life. As I wrote in the margins of my notes from that Philosophy lecture, “Follow the rules and laws of God, not just in your actions but also in your thoughts and in your heart. In short, be humble in all things towards God and let His Love radiate forth. Let your fear of damnation go and fully embrace God’s Love and the Teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ.”
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