The housewife prepares for Lent
It's coming!
Lent begins March 5, Ash Wednesday!
This week I’ll suggest a few things for the housewife to think and pray about as the day comes closer.
She really is the conservator and guardian of the Liturgical Year; it’s almost impossible to guide the family towards what the Church proposes without the mother taking care of the details.
We all want everyone to be holier, but none of the ideas work without a place to carry them out and time, as well as someone to care for it all.
Sometime this week, at least by Sunday (known in the Traditional calendar as Quinquagesima Sunday), it will be good for the couple to have a calm and intimate conversation about what the Lenten goals as a family should be. The traditional goals are summed up as fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. We’ll touch on all this as we go along in the next few days.
Today, this thought is a good beginning, perhaps:
As a family, what form should fasting and abstinence take this Lent? Everyone can follow the Church’s guidelines (see here for the US). If Mother is pregnant and/or nursing, she can simply make sure she’s eating well each day without the usual frills, and help the others to fulfill their duty, according to their ability. The young children will probably need snacks; what form should they take to be a bit more austere in this season?
Yes, it’s important to have physical mortification in this time, not only spiritual forms of discipline or abstract aspirations. We can do it — everyone can do something!
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My book on how to live with the Liturgical Year: The Little Oratory
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As with everything here at the SFH, the best thing is for you to take my ideas, coming from my experience of 45 years of marriage and raising seven children, and apply them to your situation with discernment, prudence, and confidence — and a sense of humor!