Lent: A Season of Bright Sadness
In my pursuit of a meaningful Lenten season, I learned that in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, Lent is often called the Season of Bright Sadness, a description that captures my imagination. It seems the term may have been introduced by St. Ephrem of Syria, a 4th Century Eastern Orthodox religious leader. Here is one of St. Ephrem’s Lent prayers.
O Lord and Master of my life!
Take from me the spirit of sloth, faint-heartedness, lust of power, and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King! Grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother;
For Thou art blessed unto ages of ages.
Amen.
St. Ephrem of Syria (4th Generation Eastern Orthodox religious leader)
~ From Great Lent by Fr. Alexander Schmemann[i]
As I ponder Ephrem’s words, I am reminded of some of the ways I have messed up in my life.
These remembrances fill me with sadness.
The Easter story—beginning with Lent and culminating with Resurrection Sunday—reminds me, however, that I do not need to wallow in the sadness of my sinfulness because of what Jesus completed on the cross.
The solemnity of Lent isn’t all there is to the story. Jesus’ brutal suffering on the cross isn’t the end. No, Easter is a story of new life and new beginnings, a story that brings big, bold brightness!
Blessings to you as your journey through the Season of Bright Sadness!
