Growing up, there was one question that dominated our thoughts as Lent approached; "What are you giving up for Lent?". We somehow knew that Lent was a time of sacrifice and to our childlike perception it meant we had to forgo something we enjoyed, like candy or soda. We kidded about giving up Brussel sprouts.
While self sacrifice is still a part of the lenten discipline, it has to connect to a larger lenten spirituality. The question for those who are serious about their faith growth should be, "How will I be a better disciple of Christ because of my lenten disciplines.". Sacrifice for its own sake is never productive. We sacrifice something so we can reflect on the many gifts we have been given and how well we share our good fortune with those less fortunate.
The three traditional areas of lenten discipline are prayer, fasting and alms-giving. I would like to offer some suggestions for these three areas.
PRAYER - Lent is a good time to start a new prayer practice. Keeping a prayer journal, using the morning & evening prayers from the Liturgy of the Hours, or taking time to quietly sit in the Lord's presence are all good ways to increase your prayer discipline.
FASTING - While the traditional fast is associated with food, I suggest you consider also fasting from those distractions and habits that lessen the intensity of your relationship with God. Fast from gossip. Fast from anger. Fast from some of your TV time and spend it on your prayer discipline instead.
ALMS-GIVING - Acts of charity and service should be normal for the committed Christian. Lent is a time to consciously make an effort to be aware of how much God has given us and to return some by helping others. Scripture says"Whatever you have done for the least of your brothers and sisters, you have done for me.". One good way is to take the money you would have spent on the extra Starbucks or that big meal that you fasted from and donate it to the Rice Bowl campaign or to St Vincent de Paul society. Another way is to go through your closet. Anything you haven't worn in the last 6 months most likely won't be missed if you donate it to Goodwill or another agency.
Not all charity involves money or goods. Acts of charity can also mean spending time with a lonely neighbor, cleaning up for an elderly homeowner, offering a ride to ch8urch to someone who doesn't drive are all good acts of caring.
WHAT WILL YOU DO TO MAKE THIS LENT A TIME TO GROW IN YOUR FAITH?
HOW WILL YOUR LENTEN PRACTICES MAKE CHRIST MORE PRESENT IN YOUR HOME, YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR WORK?
Let us hear from you.
