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I love Lent. It’s no secret. My family knows it, my friends know it, anyone who has any communication with me during this season of unburdening knows it.
So it was not a complete surprise to my husband and children when I announced at dinner one February night that I had a new little thing planned for Lent, and I would like them to be open and participate. My suggestion was met with the typical protests: “I don’t have time” (from the older ones), and “I’m too little, right?” (from the youngest, who was seven). It wasn’t going to be easy.
I reached back to the buffet and picked up the Easter basket I had placed there. This will be our “sin basket,” I said, setting it on the table. The crowd was not impressed. I reached in and pulled out a handful of folded strips of white paper and explained the ritual. The slips of paper represented shortcomings: a bad attitude, lack of compassion, a selfish act…
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I would like to honor you for being firm in establishing this family tradition even if it was unpopular. I will launch this tradition in our family prayer time. I think my family will be a bit more receptive as they are used to having me constantly introducing many others. But let’s see. I will update you soon. Thanks for this lenten idea.
What a wonderful Lenten expression. I have seen this at retreats etc, even though it brings about sin recognition many still do not go confession. I just hope the focus of Reconciling with a priest was not lost.