The 2022 Twitter Lent Tracker (yes, such a thing really exists) monitors what twitterati are giving up for Lent. At the top of the penitential pile is alcohol, closely followed by Twitter itself, social networking in general, and what we could call the usual suspects such as coffee, chocolate, swearing, sweets and so on. I presume it is the witty twitterati who have included items such as Lent, Catholicism, religion, and church.
In a modern world dominated by social media and connectivity, the idea that Lent is about 'giving things up' is an idea with which many people are familiar, be they religious or not. But often such a simplistic approach to Lent focuses on the calorie count rather than preparation for Easter.
Lent is not about calorie-counting and watching the waistline; it is about preparing spiritually for the great Christian feast of Easter. As the Archbishop of York once wrote: 'Lent is supposed to be a time when we review our spiritual life, think again about what it means to be a follower of Christ, reset the compass of our discipleship and prepare ourselves to celebrate the Easter festival. But often we just give up biscuits.'
Lent in 50 Moments is a book of reflections for the spiritual journey through Lent and into Eastertide. It brings together ordinary ideas, objects, and events and the words of Scripture, enabling us to chart our way along the path that leads to resurrection and new life. Lent is never easy; but it is more than just giving up sweets again.
The origins of the book lie in a tradition dating back to the 4<sup>th century when 'station' churches in Rome were designated to be the special location for worship on a particular day. The Pope (or his legate) would celebrate Mass with the church community on certain days in a set location (or statio, to use the Latin term). In the 6<sup>th century, Pope Saint Gregory the Great established the order of the churches to be visited, the prayers to be recited, and designated this as a Lenten practice. The tradition continued until the start of the 14<sup>th century. Pope Leo XIII revived the tradition in the 19<sup>th century and it was fully restored by Pope John XXIII in 1959.
And so, without being in Italy, I began to think about a book which might encapsulate that daily journey from station to station. Rather than pick churches, I thought about Moments – ideas, objects, historical events – which can provide signposts for our journey through Lent and Easter. Lent in 50 Moments provides a different, challenging reflection each day. The location might be different, but the possibility of being open to and challenged by the Word of God remains the same.
For each 'moment' I have written a reflection for every day and a question for prayerful response. Each day's entry also includes a quotation to prompt further thought as well as biblical references for the day's readings at Mass in the Catholic Church. The 50 moments have been skilfully and beautifully illustrated by artist Ted Harrison. The images chosen range from famous paintings and sculptures to lesser known works, from familiar items (including Maundy money and Cadburys creme eggs) to famous landmarks and places around the world (including the Hollywood sign, which is so famous it has its own website, and the Royal Yacht Britannica, with the Queen's superstitious dining habit) and from items of great value (such as medals and papal tiaras) to everyday objects (such as a jigsaw and the most expensive burger in the world, complete with fries, of course).
Lent is a journey of return to God and like any journey we need signposts and guidance. Lent in 50 Moments provides that guidance. Pope Francis once said, 'Lent is not just about the little sacrifices we make, but about discerning where our hearts are directed. This is the core of Lent: asking where our hearts are directed. Let us ask: Where is my life's navigation system taking me – towards God or towards myself?' Lent in 50 Moments is a book of navigation.
Liam Kelly works in the Abbot's Office at Ampleforth Abbey. The author of The Glorious Journey and Sacraments Revisited and editor of Seven Last Words by the late Cardinal Basil Hume, Liam has been involved in church communications for 40 years. In the 1980s, he worked at Vatican Radio, broadcasting papal and religious news all over the world. He also worked for the Bishops' Conference in England and Wales. Today he works as a company secretary and research executive, providing up-to-date religious briefings across a variety of subjects.
