SimplyNumbers

The season of Lent

For the Catholic church, Lent begins today (March 9th in 2011). This is a period of 40 days (not including Sundays) that provides time for preparation for Easter. Catholics may spend time involved with reflection, moderation or a spiritual discipline. Over time, the tradition of Lent has evolved and matured. In earlier eras, most Christians would prepare for Easter by fasting and praying for a period of three days. But, over time, the Lenten celebration became longer and the season became less ritualized.

The first Wednesday in Lent is known as Ash Wednesday. Lent begins this week and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday, which is the Thursday before Easter. Catholics brought up within the past century were often taught as children that they should "give up something" for Lent. Children might abstain from soda or sweets during this time. However, now instead of giving something up, many Catholics tend to add a daily practice at this time.

The Catholic Church offers guidance for paritioners during Lent that asks all Catholics to fast on certain days. In the past, paritioners were asked to abstain from meat on certain days, but this is generally not longer widely practiced now. Also, at one time, paritioners would give up all dairy products for the entire 40 days of Lent.

Today, the focus for many Catholics has evolved to having a daily practice,  perhaps with a focus on personsal reflection. A contemplation of gratitude for their lives, or daily prayer might be used to help develop a deeper connection with their faith.

Lent ends on Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and is on April 24, 2011.

The number 7 in the Bible

It is interesting, and powerful, to note how many times a certain number or symbol repeats itself in myths, fables and stories. These repeating numbers become even more intriguing when they show up in our sacred writings and books, such as the Catholic Bible.

Here are some of the references to the number seven within the Bible.

New Testament:

• Miracle of seven loaves and fishes (Matthew 15:32)

• Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times”. - (Matthew 18:21-22)

• Even if he wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, forgive him.- (Luke 17:3-4)

• After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out - (Luke 8:1)

• Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit - (Revelations 1:4)

• Write in a book everything you see, and send it to the seven churches in the cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. - (Revelations 1:11)

• This is the meaning of the mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven gold lampstands: The seven stars are the angelsk of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. - (Revelations 1:20)

• One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” - (Revelations 21:9)

Old Testament:

• Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, 30but seven years of famine will follow them - (Genesis 41:29)

• Take with you seven pairs—male and female—of each animal I have approved for eating and for sacrifice, - (Genesis 7:2)

• Seven days from now I will make the rains pour down on the earth. - (Genesis 7:4)

• So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her - (Genisis - 29:20)

• They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven male lambs and seven male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary and for Judah. - (Chronicals 29:21)

• Count off seven sabbaths of years—seven times seven years—so that the seven sabbaths of years amount to a period of forty-nine years. Then have the trumpet sounded everywhere on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout your land. - (Leviticus 25:8)

About Lent

Lent can be experienced as more than a Catholic religious season for experiencing austerity.  Yes, it is about understanding sacrifice. And, Lent does remind us that God has already been where we are. But, if you understand that everyone has suffered then you can practice being more tolerant and compassionate,  regardless of your faith.

Lent is about seeing the good in everyone. It is about seeing the specialness in your family, friends and neighbors. And, it can also be a time for you to offer small sacrifices and reflect on your life. But, remember that the essence of this season is about understanding that we all have made sacrifices, perhaps even brave ones, at one time in our lives. It is not about being a martyr. But, that part of yourself that is willing and able to sacrifice can be honored. It is about having hope and compassion for yourself and for everyone in your life.

If you are willing, this year I suggest that you make a sacrifice around the letting go of certain aspects of your personality that no longer serve. You may find that working with your shadow can be of tremendous benefit. To begin, you might attend a Shadow conference, read a book or attend lectures on the subject of the shadow.

You might also look deeper into how the object you are giving up serves you. If it is chocolate or some other treat then perhaps you can look at what indulging seems to soothe, or what emotions are calmed.