As children we were encouraged to “give-up something” for Lent.  The something was usually a thing we liked, e.g., candy, movies, etc.   Adults might have continued the practice by giving up smoking, drinking, coffee etc.  As soon as Lent ended, we felt free to eat that candy or go to the movies.  This understanding of Lent is OK for children, but it doesn’t make much sense for adults who want to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

    During Lent, the Church encourages us to spend more time in prayer, to fast and to give to those in need.  Lent might be a wonderful time to build time into your schedule to spend time in quiet prayer with the scripture.  Praying with the daily scriptures is an ideal way to become more familiar with the Bible.  The link to the bishops’ website listed below takes you to the daily readings.  It also offers a reflection that might “jump start” your prayer.  Fridays during Lent we have the Stations of the Cross.  Praying them with the community is a good way to remember what Jesus did out of love for us.   These are but two ways to pray during Lent.

    We usually associate fasting with food and drink, but it can take on many forms.  What about fasting from some screen time: TV, internet, phone, so that we can be more present to family and friends?  For our younger parishioners, fasting from social media will give more time for other activities.  It will also help reduce social anxiety!

    In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus reminds us that the poor will always be with us.  He was not advocating “a do nothing” attitude.  Rather he was reminding us of our obligation to care for those in need and help relieve the burdens of poverty.  Maybe my giving to those in need leads me to volunteer in a soup kitchen or donate to the “Vine and Branches.”  With the COVID pandemic many more individuals and families are experiencing food insecurity.  What can I, we, do to help?

    Lent begins Wednesday, March 2.  If you haven’t already thought about it, now is the time to look at your life, your relationships with Jesus Christ, your particular circumstances and decide what you would like to do for Lent.  Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you where God wants you to be.  On Holy Thursday evening, when Lent is officially ended, it’s the time to look at your “new normal” and see what practices you want to continue.

• Daily Readings
• Hosea
• What Wondrous Love Is This
• Were You There
• Ashes
• O Sacred Head Surrounded
• I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
• Beyond the Days
• Create in Me a Clean Heart