"A True Lent"

Phil

11 minutes ago5 min read

To Keep a True Lent - Robert Herrick 1648

Is this a fast,

to keep

The larder lean?

And clean

From fat of veals and sheep ?

Is it to quit the dish

Of flesh, yet still

To fill

The platter high with fish ?

Is it to fast an hour,

Or ragg’d to go,

Or show

A downcast look and sour ?

No ; ‘tis a fast to dole

Thy sheaf of wheat,

And meat,

Unto the hungry soul.

It is to fast from strife,

From old debate

And hate ;

To circumcise thy life.

To show a heart grief-rent ;

To starve thy sin,

Not bin ;

And that’s to keep thy Lent.

ROBERT HERRICK was an English poet and Anglican cleric whose work flourished during the reign of Charles I and Charles II. Herrick's poetry initially received limited recognition, but his distinctive style displays a keen eye for the details of everyday life. His poetry is characterised by its clarity, wit, and meticulous craftsmanship,

and his enduring appeal lies in his ability to capture the beauty and transience of life in verse that is both elegant and accessible. His poems invite readers to appreciate the fleeting joys of the world around them, and remind us to seize the day and celebrate life. The work "To keep a True Lent" is an encouragement to do something positive in this special season, and not merely to make ourselves miserable in Lenten deprivation!

"To keep a True Lent" gives a clear message in carefully-chosen words to not ‘close down’ and make a mournful show, but to open up and give heartily 'a fast to dole thy sheaf of wheat and meat unto the hungry soul’ …

So the question is what should/or can I do to nourish my soul this Lent?

The suggestion is to go to the heart of the matter and … ‘to starve thy sin not bin.‘

For example, if normally the consumption of chocolate is getting in the way of my relationship with God and/or with other people, then giving it up for Lent might be a fine thing to help in training the soul, but will it make me a nicer person? The denial of time devoted to making someone else's life better would be more useful. This is Herrick's point.

POPE FRANCIS in his Message for Lent 2025, invites ALL the faithful (Catholic and others) to “journey together in hope," and to take the opportunity of the upcoming Lenten Season to ask ourselves whether we are truly willing to heed God's call to change our lives.

Recalling the biblical Exodus of the people of Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land, the Pope reminds us that our lives too are a journey—one that should be directed toward God.

Pope Francis reminds us, “The Holy Spirit impels us not to remain self-absorbed, but to keep walking towards God and our brothers and sisters.” “Journeying together,” he writes, “means consolidating the unity grounded in our common dignity as children of God without letting anyone be left behind or excluded.”

Are we willing to journey with others in our families, workplaces, and communities, resisting the temptation to become self-absorbed. Are we welcoming to others? Do we include those who feel marginalized?

The Lenten journey is one of hope, anchored in God’s promise of salvation and eternal life fulfilled in Jesus' Resurrection, the victory over sin and death.

This hope is not abstract but must be lived concretely. Pope Francis invites us to examine whether we truly trust in God’s mercy.

Do we believe in His forgiveness, or do we fall into the trap of self-reliance?

And do we concretely experience the hope that inspires in us

“a commitment to justice and fraternity to care for our common home in such a way that no one feels excluded?”

Referencing Saint Teresa of Avila, the message urges the faithful to remain watchful and patient, understanding that God’s promises will be fulfilled in His time.

“Hope, O my soul, hope. You know neither the day nor the hour.

Watch carefully, for everything passes quickly,

even though your impatience turns a very short time into a long one.”

Pope Francis concludes by entrusting this journey of hope to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, our "Mother of Hope," praying that she may accompany the faithful as we prepare to celebrate the joy of Easter.

Our Lady of Kyiv - 2022

THE COLLECT FOR ASH WEDNESDAY:

Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made,

and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent; Create and make in us

new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission

and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Holy Father, in our moments of struggle and uncertainty,

we seek Your divine strength.

Grant us the courage to face our challenges

with unwavering faith.

May Your presence uplift our spirits

and guide us through the storms of life.

Help us to trust in Your plan,

knowing that with You,

we can overcome any obstacle.