Lent as a Liberating Essence of Joy - A Lenten Reflection from Rev. Siobhan Lopez

Lent is often seen as an obligation. Traditionally it was (is) a means to get through yet another season to be in good standing with God. For me, seeing the ash crosses on foreheads, fish served on Fridays, and the sacrificing or giving up was the mark of spring. It meant the preparations for spring and most importantly Easter. Easter was a family affair, and it was the big celebration that came too far off after Christmas. It was yet another opportunity to gather with loved ones, eat family favorite dishes that only grandma knew the recipes for, eat desserts such as capirotada, finding well-placed eggs within the blades of the tall grasses, breaking cascarones (beautifully colored egg shells filled with confetti) over heads, and of course playing tag, hide and seek, dancing, singing, and laughing with cousins, siblings, aunts, uncles, and friends who quickly became family. During those days, Lent was a time for gratitude, a time to fully engage in the preparation of celebrating the resurrection. 

As my vocation began to unfold, this time began to look a bit different. This time was meant for intentional reflection. It was the time to sacrifice something as a spiritual practice so that you may be brought into a closer connection or reconnect with God while remaining faithful to the intentionality of those sacrifices just as Jesus himself did. It also became a time of preparation to help those around me find their moments with Jesus. One of Christianity’s most celebrated holidays came all too quickly now, bringing in programs and more programs, activities, classes, and preparations for a different kind of celebration. It took on a more “serious” role for me. At times the business took on a life of its own and as life does, took over the joy and richness of what the perpetration should be, could be, and is. 

Going back to the years and reliving those moments where I found myself running under the cascade of a colorful sea of eggshell and confetti slowing falling and spread on the floor gave me a whole new understanding of preparing and celebrating. During these times I found myself lost in the idea of Lent as a liberating essence of joy. Why can’t this time be both?  

“Giving up” as sacrifice or practice isn’t giving into what we are obligated to do but rather it is letting go of what no longer services us, what no longer brings life to you. When we concede to the idea that Lent is the time where we pause, reflect, and let go, we can reset our eyes, minds, hearts, and souls to a limitless liberating joy. Depriving ourselves of joy or happiness is not what God requires of us but rather is the liberating actions of self-care, resistance, and doing all the things that spark joy. It’s within these very actions that bring and enhance a deeply authentic and satisfying relationship with our Creator.  

What about you? Have you found joy this Lenten season? Let’s find joy this Lenten season. Look towards the celebration and let the confetti of liberation fall upon your head. 

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Rev. Siobhan Lopez is a DSF/CST graduate (M.Div./2016) and an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She serves as DSF’s Program Coordinator and is committed to creating authentic and Spirit-filled community through purpose-filled programs. She is a dedicated spiritual leader from the heart of East Los Angeles. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, she is committed to fostering a community built on justice, equity, and empowerment. She also serves as co-pastor at Iglesia Cristiana Del Este De Whittier in Whittier, CA.