Diocese of Springfield - Cape Girardeau at 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806 US - Home
Welcome!
Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr.,
welcomes you to the Catholic Diocese of
Springfield-Cape Girardeau.
Bishop Johnston - ON THE WAY
The Joyous Season of Lent?
"Each year you give us this joyful season when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery with mind and heart renewed.” -- from the First Preface of Lent
Season of joy
I recall when someone first wished me a “Happy Lent.” It seemed somewhat odd. I could understand “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Easter,” but “Happy Lent?” That was many years ago, and I have since come to realize that Lent indeed is to be a season of joy.
It first seems odd to associate joy with Lent, the reason being that Lent is rooted in a penitential spirit, and we associate penance with “giving things up,” especially things that bring us a measure of pleasure. We also fast on certain days; again, something that involves self-denial. Finally, we set out to give to others: money to the poor in alms, time to those who need us, etc. These things might be difficult, and we usually don’t associate difficulty with joy, just as we don’t immediately associate the cross with joy. But, that is where we are mistaken. >>Read More
