This is my second Lent as a Catholic, at the beginning of my conversion, I don't really understand why Catholics are “looking for” sufferings. But in the past few days, I have just come to realise a new meaning of Lent.
The True Meaning of Freedom
| When I was under 16, I was really keen to turn 18 and be an adult. I thought of adulthood as total freedom: You can drink, drive and travel as far as you want. However, I was disappointed pretty much as soon as my 18th birthday was over. Nothing special was happening. Except that there were more and more responsibilities. And what was worse: I moved away from home for my college studies! |  Ash Wednesday Mass at St Mary's, Helsinki. |
Until I had a conversation with a priest about the meaning of freedom during my process of conversion, I didn't understand what it meant. Today what I understand is this: Freedom is not for you to do whatever you what, but for you not to do whatever you don’t want to do. Basically, you have the freedom to say NO when your body or environment are encouraging you to say YES. And that is a good rule, because as we say in Spanish, Hacer el Bien nos libera pero el mal nos condena, or "Doing what is Good sets us free us, but doing evil condemns us."
I have a friend who often fasts. When he fasts, he says No to sugar and chocolate. He does that because those are his favourites. Before, I didn't understand. I just couldn't get it. Every time I made some delicious dessert, he would just say: "I’m fasting, thanks." You offer candies to a boy, and he says "Thanks, but no thanks."?! I found that so strange!
But now I see that that's the point of Lent. We say No. We deny ourselves. I'll say NO to something I like in this world. Instead, I will search for Spiritual Food and get closer to God and the that which is truly GOOD.
But now I see that that's the point of Lent. We say No. We deny ourselves. I'll say NO to something I like in this world. Instead, I will search for Spiritual Food and get closer to God and the that which is truly GOOD.
Preparing for Lent
 | This Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Ash Wednesday reminds me that we are not of this world, as life here goes from ashes to ashes. So just start renouncing all that we worry about, and God will help us to carry on. His yoke is easy to carry and his burden is light, while this world can’t give us the Peace that He gives. Lent goes on for 40 days. And for me the worst day of the year is Good Friday, when Jesus died for us. Here's a calendar pic from Catholic-link to make Lent easier to keep track of. By preparing one in spirit during Lent can help us better to understand our divine Lover, how he died for us and how he loves us. |
What to do?
In my case, this is how I see my Lent: make an offering, say No to what I usually do and essentially pray, pray, pray for transformation and a refreshing of my heart. Sometimes, we are not inclined to say no, but by His Power, we will be!
| Here are some further ideas that I can share with you: you might want to forget chocolate for all of Lent, not use Instagram or not eat any bread during Lent. I will also try to assist at Mass as much as possible, pray the Stations of the Cross, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and the 15 prayers of Saint Bridget (it helps me to contemplate the Passion). The Sacraments help us to grow in faith and it's also good to ask a spiritual guide or priests for help. I think having a prayer plan is the best. | More resourcesIf you would like more ideas, I recommend the following links: |
Now, it’s your turn, I hope your faith can grow as much as possible during this Lent. If you want, you can also write down your ideas and share them with us!
About the author
 | Yiran, or Maria Micaela. Born in China as a Protestant Christian but baptised in Spain (2015), being the only Catholic in the family. I came to Turku as an Erasmus exchange student and I stayed for my MSc studies. I'm also a participant of the Youth Weekends at Stella Maris. Cooking, running and photography are my hobbies. |
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