Lenten fast

“ Silence is the language of God, all else is poor translation.

I live across our village plaza, something I am especially grateful for this year of travel and movement restrictions. It is such a treat to see lush foliage and tall trees with vibrantly green leaves throughout the year without having to step out of the comforts of my home. The breeze has been particularly cool in recent days and the rustling of leaves is soothing. A calming start to the Christian Lenten season, which began with Ash Wednesday this past week.

My family and I usually go to Mass on the day, and we receive the ashes as they are traced in the form of a cross on one’s forehead. Guidelines on the imposition of ashes were adjusted in keeping with health and safety protocols this year, and were instead sprinkled on the forehead of the faithful who were able to attend Mass in churches. My household bubble and I observed the religious tradition in the safety of our home, with blessed ashes given to us by our local parish community.

The wooden markers for the Stations of the Cross have been put up around our little plaza. A reminder of the reflection, fasting, penance, prayers and works of mercy that characterize and give meaning to the season.

Last year, I took heed of Pope Francis’ wise words about fasting from time online and from one’s cell phone and other such devices and instead feast or spend precious face-to-face time in the company of the people nearest and dearest to us. I was on my way to doing just that until travel restrictions made it a necessity to go online, precisely to get in touch with other loved ones who are not in my home.

A quote which has been attributed to Pope Francis since 2017 is again making the rounds on social media this year. Food for thought if you are thinking of what to fast from this Lent. These three resonate with me: “Fast from worries and have trust in God. Fast from pressures and be prayerful. Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.”

Famed 13th century Persian poet Rumi wrote, “Silence is the language of God, all else is poor translation.”

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My household bubble and I observed the religious tradition in the safety of our home, with blessed ashes given to us by our local parish community.