Lent is Coming! Let us Join the Lord
A Call to Spiritual Conquest
By Bishop Sarhad Yawsip Jammo
While the Supplication of the Ninevites, or Ba’utha, is perceived by the Fathers of the Church of the East as a spiritual struggle to obtain the forgiving mercy of God, Lent or Sawma is conceived as a marathon of exercise for spiritual renewal; it is proposed, indeed, as the golden opportunity for a warrior to pursue an ambitious conquest.
The communal character of Lent: In the Chaldean Rite, Lent is not only a private program or a personal discipline for repentance, but, as well, a battlefield where the people of God, as one body, face the devil and his forces. Jesus is the chief captain of his people, leading his followers, by his example and his grace, to victory against the insidious temptations of Satan. The followings are the major fronts of the spiritual arena:
- The temptation of physical desires: In a world and age that promotes physical pleasures at the expense of spiritual needs, Lent is the season for remembering that the Kingdom of God must be given clear priority in our pursuit of happiness.
- The temptation of selfishness and personal pride: As creatures, each one of us has been assigned a role in this world; therefore, we must “discover” our call, and fulfill it humbly and obediently. It is preposterous to try to impose on God a role that we desire in our pride.
- The temptation of using evil for worldly achievements and glories: A good conscience is a well prepared abode for the dwelling of God; the instance we accept to play the games of the devil, using his tools and devises for our promotion, we become his servants and slaves.
Therefore, the Mesopotamian Church has devised a devotional system that provides the faithful with a variety of spiritual arsenal, which are needed in the prospected battles of temptation, among them:
- Fasting and Abstinence from food and drink: While a personal regime of abstinence is beneficial and recommended, the communal character of the “Sawma Rabba” must be observed, that is in regard to specific days and food. Fridays, as the memorial of the crucifixion, are high points of connection with the passion of the Lord. Abstinence from meat, drinks, and worldly festivities should be observed for the same reference point.
- Special Lenten Liturgy: the Chaldean Rite designed a special format of liturgy for Lent called “D-Maggahay” i.e. Liturgy of Early Evening, that comprises: evening prayer, readings from Scriptures, and Eucharistic Communion.
- The Way of the Cross: Though a devotion of Western origin, it became quite popular among our faithful and has been incorporated in our penitential devotions.
As indicated in the Holy Gospel (Mt 17,21 & Mc 9,29): Prayer and fasting are our means to chase the devil out of our life. Nevertheless, spiritual healing and renewal must express itself in concrete acts of charity, without which our devotions cannot be complete or fruitful.
