We have begun our season of Lent. I believe I can hear a collective groan from many. Some of us do not appreciate this penitential season; the fasting and abstaining from meat on Fridays, the more somber tone of our worship. But Lent can and should be a time of renewal, of searching our souls for a purer path to God. We can use the three disciplines of Lent to help us seek God in the way He intends.
Prayer is the foundation for our relationship with God. It’s time to look at how we pray. Do we pray the same we did years ago; perhaps the same we did in our youth? Memorized prayer is good, but sometimes we fall into the habit of just saying words without thinking about who we are praying to and what we are saying. Perhaps it would be fruitful to just talk with God regarding the things that are bothering you. “I am concerned with our diocese and what may happen to my parish. Help me Lord to pray for our bishop and priests as we strive as a Church to make realistic workloads for our priests.” These kinds of prayers may assist us with our concerns for our local Church.
Fasting and abstaining from meat is something we typically believe to be just a Lenten discipline, however, when the Church moved away from the requirement of abstaining from meat on Fridays many years ago the notion to continue to do some sort of penance every week was still required. So many people just continued to abstain from meat on Friday as an easier way to remember to do some act of penance. Perhaps this was not something you were aware of. Now that you are, fasting and abstaining from meat isn’t really that hard. Other types of penance could involve doing something positive for others. Helping out at a local charity, visiting someone who is homebound, or helping at the church with some duties may appeal to you.
Almsgiving typically involves giving some of our financial resources to the church or another charity. If you are not able to give money, give some of your time. Charities are always looking for help and it doesn’t have to take up your whole day. Are you handy and blessed with some special skill? Put it to use for the sake of others. You may be surprised how good you feel after helping others!
So let’s make the best of this beautiful Lenten season. When we get to those powerful Triduum liturgies you will feel that you have grown in your relationship with God and made a difference in other’s lives. God bless you!
Deacon Ray