A new look at Lent -- CathNews NZ Pacific

A new look at Lent

Tuesday, February 17th, 2015

I’ll admit it: I was dreading reading Marcellino D’Ambrosio’s new book, 40 Days, 40 Ways: A New Look at Lent (Servant Books).

It didn’t help that it arrived and demanded my attention on the cusp of fall, when I did not want to think about Lent.

(Granted: I never really want to think about Lent. I am not one of those “I love Lent” people.)

However, this book was exactly what I needed. I found myself appreciating that I was reading it then, long before Lent.

My thought was that, when Lent came around, I would have this book beside me for round 2, even though I’m not a big re-reader of books.

And that’s the plan.

This book is part treasury, part practical toolbox, and part kick in the pants.

D’Ambrosio has tapped into his experience as a normal guy and his expertise as a theologian-type, wrapped it up into a book that’s both digestible and good reading, and then shared it with all of us.

The premise of this book is that it provides you with 40 different activities, one for each of the 40 days of Lent, and then a reflection for Sundays.

As someone who’s in a season of “Easily Overwhelmed,” I’ll say this: I will not be doing all 40 activities. Not even close.

For example, there is no way that I’m planning a contemplative retreat this Lent as day 20 so cheerily suggests. Nope. Not happening. (I’m about 100 weeks pregnant. I have all the contemplation I can handle living within me.)

However, the suggestion on day 10 to learn the corporal and spiritual works of mercy and then start incorporating one — one! — into my life? That I can do. And should do. More than once. Continue reading