We know that Ordinary Time in the Church Calendar has two parts, one between the Christmas Season and Ash Wednesday and one after Pentecost that continues for the rest of the year. This Sunday is the last Sunday of that first period because Ash Wednesday is February 18.
The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy tells us that during the Liturgical Year, the Church “unfolds the whole mystery of Christ, from the incarnation and birth until the ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the expectation of blessed hope and of the coming of the Lord.” CSL #102. It is unfolding, that is recounting and developing, the whole and entire mystery of Christ. That’s quite a statement. Our participation in the liturgies of the Liturgical Year open up for us the fullness of who Christ is, what Christ does, and what Christ’s mission is for the future of humanity. The past, present, and future are all involved in each day as we explore the actions and teachings of Christ.
“Recalling thus the mysteries of redemption, the Church opens to the faithful the riches of her Lord's powers and merits, so that these are in some way made present for all time, and the faithful are enabled to lay hold upon them and become filled with saving grace.” CSL #102, continued. Christ is present today in our lives. “Saving grace” is available to us today.
What is Lent all about? “The season of Lent has a twofold character: primarily by recalling or preparing for baptism and by penance, it disposes the faithful, who more diligently hear the word of God and devote themselves to prayer, to celebrate the paschal mystery.” CSL #109
We are recalling our baptismal commitment to discipleship. We will renew that commitment at the Easter Vigil after our Lenten reflection on how we are responding to our calling. We will also do penance as sorrow for sin and to strengthen our resolve to do better. We will carefully listen to Scripture and deepen our prayer life. In so doing, we will celebrate the Paschal Mystery, that is the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ into heaven.
The Season of Lent is also the period during which people who have never been baptized have their final preparation for baptism and entrance into the Church at the Easter Vigil. We pray for them and model to them the Christian life of the believer. They cause us to remember our own first stirrings of faith, and their joy brings us delight.
On Lent approaches, reflect on the following: What part of your commitment to discipleship would you like to work on for Lent, or as we used to say, what do you want to do to make Lent a time of growth in your faith? The Church encourages prayer, fasting, and works of charity as the disciplines of Lent. What can you do in these areas during this Lent? (I will have more to say on Lenten practices next time).
