(Here are some reflections from one of our parishioners on Lent and Pascha, even if it is a little belated. Naomi Funk is now in Toronto, working at the St. John the Compassionate Mission.)
"I think we all groaned when we learned that Lent followed so closely on the heels of the Nativity Fast this year. Winter was wearing on us, we were longing for sunlight, and BAM! Here comes the Fast of all fasts.
But, quickly, the idea of Lent settled with me, as I knew I was in great need of it. There is a sort of comfort in the barrenness of Lent that reminds us that God is near and we are beckoned to come nearer as well.
On Cheesefare Sunday Fr. Roberto urged us not to begin the fast alone, but to come together that evening for the Vespers of Forgiveness. So we crowded into that little church that night, and began Lent together, and hearing those familiar Lenten words and melodies. Then we had the rite of Forgiveness. As I see the rite of Forgiveness, it is an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start over with everyone, acknowledge that we all sin against each other, knowingly or unknowingly, and that we are aiming for the same thing. And from there we proceeded into the Desert of Great Lent. ..."
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