Lenten Reflection Series: Ash Wednesday

by Angélica Quiñónez, Interim Director of University Ministry

Just the other day I had a great conversation with one of our Resident Ministers. We were reminiscing about the last time we found ourselves at the University Ministry office and how our casual “see you next week” became “see you next year.” We also remembered that the last time we went to mass together, at St. Ignatius Church was on Ash Wednesday 2020–a packed church at the lunch hour with multiple generations present. The homily that day? One focused on the Lenten call to walk with one another and to give of ourselves wholeheartedly to the cause of justice. Little did we know that the Lenten season would seem much longer than a season and that the months that followed would challenge us to walk with another and to stand up for justice. Father did not predict the pandemic, but he did remind us of what the Lenten season calls us to do.

Lent has always been my favorite season of the liturgical calendar. I find beauty in the solemn and reflective nature of the season. This Ash Wednesday, however, feels like the extension of a Lenten season that took a quick pause on Easter Sunday but carried on through our present. And if Lent is the season of renewal, what has our prolonged Lent taught us? How have we been renewed throughout this pandemic? How have we walked with each other?

These past eleven months, though not ideal for anyone, have, in the midst of grief, provided us with opportunities to renew, refocus, and recommit. Whether we are religious or not, spiritual or not, the pandemic has forced us to walk with each other. Perhaps we have found compassion for the other, or maybe for ourselves. We’ve learned that sometimes the simplest of acts can potentially save a life. Maybe we’ve grown closer to our family or learned to appreciate our friendships so much more. We’ve weathered online courses and meetings, socially distanced gatherings, and learned that double masking might offer better protection. Of course, we’ve also learned so much more about ourselves.

Since March we’ve all given up more than we ever wanted or could have imagined. But, what, if anything, have we gained? That’s my Lenten commitment this year–to find the beauty in this madness, joy in the midst of ongoing uncertainty, and blessed moments where grace is found.