Upon entering the monastery chapel, before a word is spoken, it is clear that the season of Lent has begun. The cross stands strong and central as a visible reminder; the color purple, recognized as the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment, invites contemplation; the Word is prominent; candles burn. For the monastic, Lent is a time to contemplate change—a time for conversion, a time for transformation.

In A Monastery Almanac, Sister Joan Chittister, OSB writes: “The Rule of Benedict says that the life of a monastic ‘ought always to be a Lent,’ ought always, in other words, to be lived with discipline. A monastic Lent is a time of growth, not discipline for its own sake. The Rule of Benedict doesn’t ask for great Lenten penances. The Rule asks us simply to read more and pray more and reflect more. A monastic Lent reminds us of all the riches of life that good things can smother if we don’t empty out the cluttered cupboards of our hearts and give the meaning of life special attention through good reading, deep prayer, a consciousness of the soul. Monastic communities concentrate on these things—not on artificial penances, good as they may be. The purpose of monastic Lent is to freshen the basics of life, to fill our empty selves with meaning.”

This Lent, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie will use the daily scriptures along with Journey Into Light, Lent 2012 by Sister Joan Chittister, OSB and Daily Reflections for Lent: Not By Bread Alone, 2012 by Robert F. Morneau to assist them in their efforts to “read more and pray more and reflect more.”

Monasteries of the Heart, a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters, will feature an online discussion of Journey Into Light, Lent 2012 led by Sister Mary Ellen Plumb, OSB. Click here to view the discussion comments. No log in or password is needed. To participate in the discussion an account and password is needed. If interested, you are invited to go to the Monasteries of the Heart home page to create one.