There is Joy in Lent?

For me, celebrating the Feast of the Solemnity of the Annunciation during Lent initially appears to be a complete contradiction. Taking into consideration that Lent is a season of repentance and constant sacrifice culminating in Holy Week’s solemn Last Supper and the Crucifixion, it seems somewhat odd to also celebrate such a joyful occasion as the Annunciation – an occasion where we celebrate Mary’s giving of herself in spite of being afraid and not knowing - a day which we know leads to one of the happiest days of the year in Christ’s birth at Christmas. If we take a step back to see the balance between a solemn event and a joyful one, we can also see that it mirrors what we experience every Sunday at Mass with Christ’s sacrificial love in the Eucharist. Seeing Mary give herself so freely and Christ suffering for our sins shows us how we too, through our own small Lenten sacrifices – through carrying our own crosses – may find a joy in areas that we normally don’t associate with happiness.

If we take one more step back, we see that the balance of Lenten self-denial and the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection at Easter fits the same mold seamlessly.

Looking at it from a purely secular view, finding the silver lining in any hardship - while sometimes extremely difficult - is something we should all strive to do. Choosing not to find the hope during a dark time is choosing to lose out on a wonderful opportunity for growth. And just maybe that is why the Annunciation takes place in the middle of Lent: while we are challenging ourselves with our own personal sacrifices there is also a great joy that awaits us if we look for it.

As I write this blog and reflect on it, the question "Why the Feast of the Annunciation during Lent?" becomes more "Why, if we see the depth and gladness that can be gained throughout Lent and the efforts we make, why do we leave it to these 40 days only?” Should we not strive, especially in our interactions with each other, to become better people even it is a little painful or awkward for us? “Growing pains” shouldn’t just be a Lent thing – it’s an always thing… in the wise words of Lou Holtz, William Burroughs, and I’m sure a number of other people, “You’re either growing or you’re dying, so get in motion and grow.”

Author: Jonathan Alexander, Athletics