Lenten Reflection The Awkward Season – 2nd Sunday of Lent Week of March 7, 2022

Pamela C. Hawkins, wrote a Lenten guide in 2009 where she referred to Lent as the “Awkward Season.” She reflected that while she was never confused as to where Lent leads, to Easter, she was never quite certain of how to prepare and follow the season of Lent. She noted that it is a sacred season that begins in the middle of the week, not on a Sunday, which is where we usually begin a liturgical season.

Lent is awkward because it sneaks up on us. Easter is not a fixed date like Christmas, it changes each year. This year, it seems so late, April 17th, or maybe I am longing for the Spring after recent snow falls (I am writing this at the end of January). Lent feels a little unsteady and I feel unsteady in it.

The outward mark of an ash was never comfortable for me, I always hoped that the priest or layperson putting the ash upon my forehead would be kind and make it a small mark. I wondered how many times I would need to explain, it wasn’t dirt and didn’t need to be wiped away. Very awkward.

Then there’s the whole giving something up, what is meaningful enough to be penitence and honour the sacrifice of Jesus? Giving up chocolate, coffee or sweets feels small and insignificant in comparison. In recent years, I’ve turned to doing something more, instead of “giving something up.” Finding more time, feels like a greater effort and sacrifice, but awkward all the same as I try to twist my time to fit the extra in my day or week.

Lent isn’t even forty days, it’s more like 47 days. I was surprised to find out that we don’t count Sundays as part of the forty days. Awkward, how are Sundays not included? They are in Lent, but not of it?

What I reflect on is that with any journey, path or road, it is for us to decide how we go. No way is more true or right than another. All paths, if journeyed from our humble hearts will lead to Easter. No sacrifice is too small, no extra too insignificant if all are offered in remembrance and anticipation. We make the journey separately but meet together to hear the joyful news, “He has risen!”