The laws of hygiene attributed to Moses in the Book of Leviticus were to prevent the spread of diseases like leprosy literally condemned a person to a life separated from family, friends and the rest of the community. Illnesses like leprosy and physical deformities were seen as a punishment from God. The leper had faith, or at least hope, that Jesus could cure him of his disease. Cured of leprosy he could show himself to the priest and make the offering prescribed by Moses. That would allow him to return to his family, friends and community and would be a sign to them that “I am not a sinner.” He must have felt much like we feel when we avail ourselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and know that Jesus, through the person of the priest, understands our sorrow for our sin and loves us unconditionally. When was the last time we sought the graces of the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Sadly, for most Catholics, the answer is “Too long!” Do we have the same faith, or at least hope, of the leper who approached Jesus??
Lent: What will we do with that time? How will we live? What will we be?
These 40 days are a blessed opportunity to carry those questions in our hearts – and in answering them, reconcile ourselves with one another, and with God. Let me recommend three things we can all do this Lent – one personal, one communal and one universal.
First, the personal. You know that even as I share these words, God is putting something on your heart that He wants you to leave behind. It isn’t the simple and superficial practices of giving up sweets or eating between meals. Perhaps it is something major and challenging like giving up the desire to gossip and tear others down; giving up the anger and rage that control your life; turning away from problems with drink, even drugs or pornography. Whatever it is, you know God is calling you to something specific, something personal, something that desperately needs to change if you are going to grow in holiness.
Next, the communal. During Lent, we have many additional opportunities for our community to gather in prayer. We have daily Mass. We have repeated opportunities for Confession so you can purify your soul. We have
Stations of the Cross on Wednesday and Friday night so we can meditate upon the sacrifice Christ made for us. If we are going to successfully navigate this time of penance and prayer, we need to do it together. We need to pray together, prepare together. We need each other. We can help each other. None of us should make this Lenten journey alone. Let’s travel together towards Easter joy.
Finally, the universal. This is a time to care about our community and our world. Use the money you are saving by giving something up this Lent and give it to the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the needy. Find a worthy cause to give of your time, your talent or your treasure this Lent. Our small sacrifice can have a big impact on the lives of others elsewhere. Give not merely coins and dollars, but love and quite literally, life.
So, even in the pandemic there are the things we can do – something personal, something communal, something universal. Let us pledge ourselves wholeheartedly this Lent that this may be a true and effective season of faith in our lives. Hundreds of years ago, St. Catherine of Siena said, “If you are what you should be, you will set the world on fire.” This day, my friends look at the ashes, but think of the fire. And let us pray, this Lent, to set the world ablaze.
May God give you peace.
Fr. Kalombo
