Reflections About the Start of Spring

Spring as the end of the season of death: winter. Or perhaps that spring is what comes from the death of winter. And even maybe that spring is the death of winter. It could also be that spring is the sign that things are going to start to die, like a plucked flower on grave. Either way you look at it, spring is related to death. Do you find it odd that death is undeniably mingled in this season of new life?

It’s no coincidence that every spring Christian people on every continent from nearly every language begin a season of prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. For Roman Catholics, this season is marked with a triple sign of death: ashes, a cross, and the words “remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The season is often called Lent which means springtime.

Here’s a thought-provoking quote from the Triodion for the first day of Lent: “let us begin the most holy season of fasting with joy” (Orthodox/Eastern Christian). The season of Lent is not one of gloom and “giving things up.” It’s a season of living life to the fullest. This is my transparent short list for Lent:

List of what I’m feasting on and fasting from this Lent

Now, make your own list - and try to stick through it this spring.