A Lenten Reflection by Mary Carbello

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

I remember that as a child my parents would have a folder where you were supposed to put a quarter for each day during Lent. We would return the folder on Easter. At the time I thought that was a really big sacrifice.

For many years, I believed Lent was a time of denying yourself of something valuable. For many years, I kept a can of Diet Coke on my desk, a sign that I would not drink it again until after Easter. Many of my friends remember that I would give up alcoholic beverages and, later, increase the sacrifice to give up chocolate, too.

It took me a long time to realize that those “things” were my sack cloth and ashes. I have come to realize that my faith requires me, during Lent and throughout the year, to give up myself. To step outside of my comfort zone, challenge myself to accept a new volunteer opportunity, read multiple Lenten devotions, increase my prayer practice and engage with my community through supporting organizations that I normally don’t support.

Unlike Advent, there is no Sunday of Joy, but I cherish all the times I was able to attend or participate in an Easter Vigil service. The service started with a new fire that lights the Paschal candle. The service began with readings from Genesis and ended with the resurrection. Many times, a baptism was celebrated or the entire congregation was sprinkled with water to remind them of their baptism. Communion was shared and for the first time “He is risen!” was exclaimed. It was a long service, about two hours, and an added responsibility for clergy and musicians, but it was so meaningful.

I hope to participate in a service this year, even if it’s out of my comfort zone to find.

Blessings,
Mary