How Covid Changed My Understanding of Lent
In the spring of 2020, COVID-19 forever changed Lent for many of us. I remember entering the holy season as the world shut down around me. I could no longer go to work. My son could no longer go to school. Things we took for granted disappeared. Friends and family got sick—some very sick. We were all quarantined.
My sister - who happens to be a Religious Sister of Mercy of Alma - mentioned to me that the word quarantine comes from a Venetian dialect meaning “40 days.” The practice is often connected to Jesus’ 40 days in the desert and to the Lenten season, during which we spend 40 days working on our spiritual health in the “metaphorical desert” with God before Easter. The 40-day quarantine was intended to separate those who are, or who may be, physically sick from the rest of the world in order to heal physically and spiritually before reentering the community.
And so it is with Lent. During Lent we separate ourselves from the world - our attachments, our false gods (be it time, money, fame, or that particular indulgence you have) - and our bad habits in order to work on the health of our souls. But just as it isn’t advisable to treat ourselves for physical ailments, we can’t treat ourselves for spiritual ailments either. We need a team of spiritual physicians, nurses, therapists, and others to help prepare our souls for the Resurrection.
But who are these people? First and foremost, Christ is our physician, and we must turn to Him in prayer. Second, the Church recommends spiritual reading during Lent. We can turn to the spiritual greats - the saints and holy men and women whose writings guide us in prayer, helping us bring our ailments to Christ and receive His healing grace. Third, we have priests, the sacraments, and our parish community to heal and sustain us. And finally, we have our families and friends to support us as we delve into our souls and address the areas that need work.
While there isn’t much I can do to help you pray more this Lent, other than implore you to do so, and while there isn’t much I can do to ensure you attend Mass and Confession frequently, other than implore you to do that too, I have read many books and studied our faith and can help you find spiritual reading for Lent that will both heal and nourish your soul.
We’ve been recommending two Lenten guides this year by St. Thomas Aquinas and Padre Pio, which I personally enjoyed. In addition, I’m happy to say that we now have access to Fr. Jacques Philippe’s collection of books. Fr. Jacques Philippe is a renowned retreat master and one of the most trusted voices on the spiritual life, whose writings guide the soul toward deeper peace, freedom, and intimacy with God. In the School of the Holy Spirit and Interior Freedom are two of my all-time favorite books for spiritual growth, and they are perfect for Lent. As a bonus, they are easy reads and reasonably priced, which makes them great to give to friends and family as well.
So, with Lent a week away, I’ll leave you with this final thought: If you were told your soul was sick and you had to quarantine yourself for 40 days, what would your nutrition regimen be? What medicines would you take? What literature would you read? In spiritual terms, what would be your plan for prayer? For the sacraments? For Scripture and spiritual reading? These things are true food and true medicine for the soul.
And, while you don’t have to take my advice—I’m just a guy who sends reflections to your email—I encourage you to take this Lent seriously. Think of it as a self-imposed spiritual quarantine, and use the next week to put your plan together. If you need books, we’re always here for you.
God bless you
Matt
The Jacques Philippe Collection
Discover the timeless wisdom of Fr. Jacques Philippe, renowned retreat master and one of the most trusted voices on the spiritual life, whose writings gently guide the soul toward deeper peace, freedom, and intimacy with God. This powerful collection of his writings offers profound yet practical insight into prayer, mercy, and the transforming presence of God in everyday life. If you long to grow closer to God and truly feel His presence in your heart, these beloved classics are essential treasures for every Catholic library.
Coached by the Saints Collection
St. Paul says in his second letter to Timothy, "I have finished the race." Looking at the spiritual life as a race or competition has great value. That's because the spiritual life requires practice. The 'Coached By' Series of books helps us look at faith through this lens with the saints as our coaches. Perfect for Lent, these books help you pick your coach and get to practice.