A time of penance

From Ash Wednesday, February 10 until the Mass of the Lord’s supper on Holy Thursday, March 24, the whole Catholic Church enters into a time of penance, Lent.

This season should make a difference. One manifestation is in the celebration of the liturgy. “During Lent the altar should not be decorated with flowers, and musical instruments may be played only to give necessary support to the singing. On the Fourth Sunday of Lent (“Laetare”) and on solemnities and feasts, musical instruments may be played and the altar decorated with flowers.” (Ordo). This difference needs to be felt and experienced so that we may all be prepared to enter into the mystery of Christ’s life, passion, death and resurrection.

The catechumens or those to be baptized should be prepared for the celebration of the sacrament of initiation. The faithful should become more attentive to the word of God and prayer so as to prepare for penance for the renewal of their baptismal promises.

We are dust and unto dust we shall return. So, let us repent and believe in the Gospel!