The Penitential Season

During this season of Lent, we are called to evaluate our lives and rid ourselves of those things that hold us back from receiving the fullness of Christ. Often times, we allow the things of this world to take precedence over our relationships with God. Whether it’s too much food, sleep, or Facebook, each of us has something that prevents us from truly placing God at the center of our lives.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus bids His disciples, “Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me” (John 15:4). Without Christ at the center of lives, we can do nothing, and Lent reminds us of this reality in an enriching way. Recalling our own sinfulness, we come to recognize the negative impacts of those earthly things that have taken over our lives. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we attempt to abandon our sinful ways, and refocus our lives on Christ.

In an attempt to do so, the men of Old College have decided to partake in a few Lenten observances. As a house, we pray for an additional ten minutes every morning, refrain from stocking the kitchen with unnecessary snacks, and donate a quarter to the Holy Cross missions each time we drink a soda. Although these new practices can be challenging, we are hopeful that they will allow us to remain focused on what is truly important.

 Our Lady of Sorrows, patroness of the Congregation of Holy Cross, is the most accurate representation of one whose life is rooted in Christ. Her every thought, word, and action sought to give glory to God. As seen through the seven sorrows, she had to endure several hardships throughout her life. Despite these challenges, she remained faithful to God and refused to allow the things of this world deter her from following His will. Through her intercession, may we rid ourselves of those earthly things that keep us from leading holy lives. May this season of Lent help us to recognize that without Christ, we can bear no fruit. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Christ,

Charlie Skinner