Episode 2970: From Pre-Lent to Passion Cultivating Attentiveness to God’s Presence

Pre-Lent Practice on Quinquagesima Sunday

Nancy:
Welcome to Catholic Reboot, where we explore the timeless truths of the traditional Catholic faith. I’m Nancy, your host, joined by my co-host Walt. Today, we’re continuing a topic that we first introduced two weeks ago and that was the forgotten season of Pre-Lent that started with Septuagesima Sunday.

Before we get started, Wal, would you like to lead us in prayer?

Today is Quinqugesima Sunday, the third Sunday of the pre-Lent season, and a time of preparation for Lent. Quinquagesima, meaning we are about 50 days away from Easter. So it started two weeks ago on Septuagesima Sunday - when for the first time, immediately after learning about this special yet forgotten time in the Liturgical year, I acted on it. Walt was kind enough to let me record an episode to kick things off, and then I started to think, “Okay, how do I pick it up from here?” Well, I went back to our original episode and thought about a couple of things we had mentioned about pre-Lent practicing and what struck me was the phrase “small penitential practices” and praying more intentionally.

Now the beauty of this is that because we are observing this pre-lenten season we have the time to make a concerted effort into what our Lenten observations can be.

I would like to share with you what I did in the time from Septuagesima Sunday (last week) to Quinquagesima Sunday (this week). I started my Lenten observance prep. This is what I did:
1. Thought about what I could do that would have meaning
a. Not superficial or just tapping the surface, like giving up sweets
b. Something that would require something extra on my part; would require a sacrifice of some kind
2. Thought about what I have been missing/something I have been wanting to do but have not made the time for (again, keeping in mind the previously mentioned stipulations above)
3. Could I do something and have something to show for it come Easter Sunday.
4. As I was organizing my office, I found myself moving the same stack of books once again and it hit me: I have been collecting a variety of books to read and use on my faith journey. While I have managed to read a few chapters in some, most have remained untouched.
5. I started my pre-Lent prep by grabbing all of these books and piled them up before me
6. I decided to choose 4 to be my guides and my inspiration for my Lenten observance this year
7. The books I will be using are:
Lenten Meditations with Fulton Sheen
The Way of the Cross by Bishop Fulton Sheen

Go to Heaven: A Spiritual Roadmap to Eternity by Bishop Fulton Sheen
The Holy Hour Prayer Book: Could You Not Watch One Hour With Me by Bishop Fulton Sheen

8. I am going to spend time every day reading and reflecting and incorporate what I have read into a better understanding of the suffering that Christ endured; then write about what I have discovered that I can incorporate into my life - spiritually, prayerfully or just in day to day living
9. Instead of watching television or doing random searching on the Internet, I will practice self-discipline and focus on my spiritual growth.

Now my plan is to use this remaining time to choose specific chapters and passages to read so that I can be as prepared as possible and also think about how I can enrich my prayer life. I will admit that I have already taken a look at Bishop Sheen’s Holy Hour Prayer Book - and I did read the first chapter, titled, “Why Make a Holy Hour?” And while reading, I started to think about pre-Lent and wondered how many people may ask themselves, “Why is it so important to prepare before and during Lent?” Most practicing Catholics believe in Lenten observations but have these observations lost their meaning or their importance?
So in Bishop Sheen’s book, in answering the question, “Why make a holy hour?,” he lists 10 reasons why. I’d like to share just the first reason with you today because I believe it also answers the question of why it is so important to prepare for Lent and to practice and keep our Lenten observations.
“Because it is time spent in the presence of Our Lord Himself. If faith is alive, no further reason is needed.” So as in answering why make a holy hour, we also answer the question of why prepare for Lent and make ourselves ready for Easter Sunday? Now think of your pre-Lenten practice and Lenten observances as time spent in the presence of Our Lord - maybe if we remind ourselves of this, the importance and meaning of what we are doing gives us the strength and fortitude to enter this Easter season with the mighty heart of a true soldier for Christ.
Bishop Sheen said that a broken bone gives pain because it is not where it ought to be; our souls are in agony because we are not tending to the fullness of Life, Truth and Love, which is God. So pre-Lent gives us the opportunity to be where we should be.
Author C.S. Lewis, in one of his writings, spoke of “cultivating attentiveness to God’s presence.” That is what our time of pre-Lent allows us to do; let's be where we should be.
Before we conclude this episode, do you have anything you would like to add, Wal?
Let’s end with a prayer.
Thank you so much, Walt, for sharing this episode with me. To those listening, may you have a blessed Lenten season and keep the faith! And in the words of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, “God love you!” Until next time.