40 Days of Lent
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Archbishop Listecki


Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

 

Most of us believe that we live in a world of black and white. In reality, we live in a world filled with shades of grey (and please, I definitely do not mean the movie or the book). However, it is in the stark contrasts, that we often discover the real sense or value of things.

In the contrast, it seems a truth is revealed. Artists will relate how important the use of light and darkness is in order to bring about emphasis on objects or central themes in their works. The beauty of old black and white films placed a burden on the director to use the light and darkness in a way to emphasize the theme of the movie. It is also true in cooking: the stark contrasts used by chefs in the use of sweet and bitter, allows the taste experience to be enhanced.

Today is Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). The mere terminology evokes images of excess. Of course, Mardi Gras is the day before Lent begins (Ash Wednesday). We can immediately see the sharp contrast; could it be that all these things become mere ash, “dust” in the ultimate evaluation of life? We certainly can see that many of the pleasures of life are but short experiences, enjoyed today but gone tomorrow. Ultimately, we must journey together into a period of denial where we examine the excesses of our lives, to emphasize what truly makes us happy.

The period of Lent is often compared to that of entering into the desert. In the desert, there is a sense of understanding. What is really important? Water, shade and a sense of direction. Three simple things that are taken for granted in our everyday lives. Perhaps in the spiritual life, we also need to examine what really is important: how we can deny the excesses of our lives in order to be drawn closer to God. 

The 40 days of Lent offer an opportunity to focus on our lives and what really is important. If the 40 days’ journey into the desert helps us to understand what, or better, who we need to survive in this world, the journey will be well worth the undertaking. We can certainly give up something as a sign of our willingness to do penance. We can add some spiritual reading or prayers to our daily routine to keep us on track. Perhaps, we can identify with the poorest among us, by offering our services to one of the many places that offer food or shelter to our brothers and sisters in need.

If you’re free on Feb. 24, the Archbishop’s Catholic Charities Lenten Luncheon is a good way to focus on the Lenten journey. It runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Francis De Sales Seminary and promises to be a faith-filled celebration. 

Today, I will be stuffing my face with Paczkis; brushing away the powdered sugar and getting ready to embrace tomorrow and the beginning of the journey. This special mission of sacrifice leads us closer to our Lord and through Him to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the February 17, 2015 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.

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