Tower Topics ~ Spring 2002

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A message from Abbot Gregory

Dear Friends,

Greetings of peace from Conception Abbey.

As this issue of Tower Topics goes to press, our minds turn to Lent which comes early this year. As adults, many of us have childhood recollections of this season coming as a prelude to the glorious feast of Easter. We remember Lent as a time when we made sacrifices for a period of 40 days. As children that seemed like a long time; and yet, that experience of renunciation-of-self taught us something about Christian living. There is a cost to following Christ, to being a Christian.

In the weeks before Lent, each of the monks living at the monastery prepares a short list of the things they choose to do as part of their lenten observance. Then each of them comes for a visit with the abbot to discuss their lenten practices, to talk about the challenges they are facing, and to ask a blessing for their intended projects. St. Benedict says that a monk should receive his abbot’s blessing for any special good works during the holy 40 days, lest he be swollen with pride for what he has accomplished. I encourage the monks to think about their lenten practices in terms of their whole life and spiritual development, not a mere 40 days. What might be an area in their life which is in need of conversion, of healing? Lent is a time to hear Christ’s call for each of us to turn our hearts more directly toward him and the following of the gospel message.

The point is this: What do I need to do to draw closer to Christ and the living of my Christian calling? How might Lent be a kind of launching pad, giving me a start to a new way of acting, believing, praying, or whatever needs healing and strength in my life? Lent is a time of renewal. There may be some part of my spiritual life that has diminished in recent years and needs to be revived. There may have been an experience which inspired me to greater service of family or neighbors, and I need a little push to move in that direction. Lent is the time to begin, for during these days we unite ourselves more closely with Jesus Christ who showed us that the greatest joys in this life come from love and service of God and neighbor.

In one of the prefaces of the Mass during Lent, the text addresses these words to God: “Each year you give us this joyful season when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery with mind and heart renewed.” Few people think of lenten deeds and sacrifices as joyful. And yet, in truth they are. When we are able to sacrifice for others, we imitate Christ. His dying to self opens us to the great mystery of joy. Many years ago I remember reading a bookmark which read, “There is no greater joy for the Christian than to know that one’s life serves another.” That is what Christian living is all about. The season of Lent invites us to that conversion of heart which enables us to discover how joyful sacrifice can truly be. May this Lent be for you the most joyous ever.

Sincerely in Christ,

Abbot Gregory J. Polan, OSB

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