The liturgical calendar recognizes this time of year as Lent. In Latin it is called quadragesima (cuaresma in Spanish; quaresima in Italian) referring to the 40-day period of fast and abstinence. English-speaking nations call it Lent (lente in Dutch; lenz in German), from an Anglo-Saxon word, lencten. Use of this word began in the Middle Ages as sermons shifted from Latin to the vernacular. The shift is not trivial.

 

In the northern hemisphere, Christmas is celebrated at the darkest time of the year – the sun being furthest away from our planet. Dark, cold, gloom, snow, rain, … yuck! It all can lead to a sense of impatience, even despair. But, as the daylight begins to return and things warm up, little by little there is the sense of renewed hope and excitement. In its original usage, lencten simply meant Spring.

 

The gradual shift in liturgical usage to refer to the forty-day period of fast provides some insights into how the Church prays during this time of year. It is a time not merely of deprivation (fast and abstinence) but more importantly one of anticipation and excitement, and in particular for the Elect who will soon receive the Sacraments of Initiation. During Lent, the Church unites herself with these women and men in this proximate journey towards the baptismal font and the Lord’s Table. Thus we realize that this self renewal is at the same time an act of love and support for the Elect.

 

I try to remember this duty as I dead-head bushes and buy seeds in anticipation of things to come. And I am happy to endure that bit of anxiety while awaiting the Rising Son to draw ever-closer so that new life may spring up.