Joy in Lent

                              A joy-filled spirit in Lent! 

   I have three wonderful examples: my beloved great-aunts (Rita, Josephine and Eunice) who filled us with gratitude. They were native women of my island-home, Trinidad: the Lopez-Ribeiro-Albert sisters who were influential in our lives. I am reminded of them each Lenten season. They taught me that the truly holy person is one who is joyful and abundantly human. They exemplified the words of the American theologian and social critic, William Stringfellow:

        "being holy ... does not mean being perfect, but being whole; it does not mean being exceptionally religious or ... morally better. It means being exemplary and ... rather being truly human." 

   I knew these women better as I grew older. They became the matriarchs of our family after three of their sisters died, including my own grandmother. Their lives were filled with difficulties and trials. They chose not to despair and remained optimistic in their Catholic faith. I admired their steadfastness. They laughed and danced with us before each Lent during the high pitch Carnival season amidst the music of calypso and steel pan in the air. And on Ash Wednesday, the solemnity of their beliefs took on a different tone. I recall their devotions and smiles, echoing the words of their Savior: 

        "My own joy may be in you and your joy will be complete if you remain in my love  and keep my commandments." {John 15, 9}

   This Lent, "reflecting on the outcome of their lives, I want to imitate their faith," (Hebrews 13, 8) and their humanity and joy as well.  

                                                                   {reflection #227}