Into a time of humility and self-retrospect…

Every year, there comes a time during which we are able to cease from the stress and pressure of daily living and examine ourselves and our mortal lives. As the Christian calendar enters the period of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday, a period of 40 days calls us to humble ourselves, re-question our priorities and focus on repenting.

The values of Lent are more significant than ever in this day and age. Unlike during older times, many among us do not have the time to sit and ponder. To re-evaluate our thoughts and re-examine our hearts. The period of Lent not only allows us focus on the price our Saviour paid for our sins on the Cross but also the humility and graciousness He displayed during his life-time here on earth.

It is also a good time to reflect on the mortal nature of man. Some do get carried away with the wealth, the positions and the lure of worldly life. Some in fact live for the carnal pleasures of this world. Yet, entering the phase of Lent reminds us that we are but dust - and to dust we shall return, when all is said and done.

Christian calendar

The beauty of Lent enables us to re-arrange our priorities. It helps us to re-focus ourselves, enabling us to keep the most important ones in sight and let go of the others. It empowers us to actually stand up and take note of the less fortunate around us. And to do whatever we can to ease their burdens. It may not always be monetary driven but may be time that we can spend talking to elders left forgotten in a home for the elders. It maybe the family that is struggling to make ends meet. This Lent, we are called to do something out of the ordinary for someone who is not able to do that something on his own. The season of Lent is also a time to reflect on our own limitations. Lent is considered one of the oldest periods observed in the Christian calendar. Like all Christian holy days and holidays, there has been change over the years, but Lent has always been a period to forego the luxuries and the ‘extra’ things we sometimes take for granted. A period for self-examination and penitence, aptly demonstrated by denying self and self-centred actions, as we prepare for the season of Good Friday, followed by Easter.

There’s more significance than ever to focus on denying self-centred pursuits than before. In our consumerism driven societies, we live in technology related isolation. Sometimes we don’t talk to one another, but stare at our computer screens all day that connect us to the world.

Limitations of humanity

Aptly, some engage in fasting from food while other fast from modern day occupations such as television. There is good reason to fast from television - watching it does not actually contribute in any way to anything constructive, unless you happen to be watching something of interest or value.

On Ash Wednesday, as the priest applies the ash obtained from the burning of dried palm leaf crosses given out last year, it symbolizes the mere mortality of man and the limitations of humanity. It also reminds us that we need to shift our attention away from pleasing self to pleasing God, especially when we find the time for others.

Spiritual health

The significance of Lent is not only in giving things up, but also to find the time to spend focusing on Jesus and His faithfulness. In a society increasingly facing health problems and obesity thanks to changed diet patterns and fast food, the traditionally accepted pattern of fasting before feasting would ideally seem relevant for physical as well as spiritual health. The last day before the season of Lent commences, is known as Shrove Tuesday. It is also known as Pancake Day for in ancient times, people used up all their remaining rich food. Pancakes were made with eggs and, sugar and milk, denoting the ‘luxuries’ in addition to meat, that would be given up during the 40 day Lent period of fasting.

Ash Wednesday calls us reflect on the fact that we are but dust: from dust you came, and to dust you shall return. Let us not depart from a consciousness of our own selfishness but one of selfless service for others. We would truly be keeping the tenets of our Saviour when we do so.

Whatever our denomination may be, observing Lent helps us to re-energize and re-evaluate our priorities.