On the Doorstep of Lent - Feb 19, 2023

Well, here we are again, on the doorstep of Lent. Lent begins this Wednesday. It is Ash Wednesday! So it is time now for all of us to consider how we plan to observe this holy season. The traditional three works of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. And certainly I strongly encourage each of you to increase and improve your practice of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

While the traditional ways of doing these three practices certainly are tried-and-true, and still very beneficial, we can also expand our understanding of these and be creative in new ways of doing them.

Prayer does not always have to be recited prayers. Maybe you have a place where you can just sit and enjoy nature, and invite Jesus to be with you in the enjoyment of creation. To admire the beauty of creation is to praise the Creator, who is, of course, God. Or just sitting for a while in silence before the tabernacle is a great practice. Pope Francis recommends this, and says that as he sits there in silence, “I look at Him and He looks at me.” That is enough for prayer and contemplation.

Fasting does not only have to be abstaining from food and drink. Maybe fasting from some time on social media, or on TV or on the internet. And then use the time to be more present to your family and friends, or even to God.

Almsgiving can certainly be donations of money, and that is good. But it can also be giving time and effort to charitable and social service organizations. Another way to practice almsgiving is to give compliments. Compliments cost little, but can have a big effect. And for those who want to practice heroic sanctity, you can give up the end seat on the pew and move more to the center, making our congregation a more welcoming space rather than have latecomers climb over people to get to the center of the pew.

I urge you not just to slide into Lent unaware and unprepared. Take some time to think about how the Lord is calling you to observe this Holy Season. Use it as an opportunity to grow and improve in your Christian life. It will bear eternal benefits. 

God bless,