Lent

My dear friends in Christ,

We have now begun the season where discipline plays a role in our journey. Lent, Holy week, and the Easter Triduum can sometimes drain us emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Jesus’ temptation in the desert strengthened Him for His ministry. I am sure Jesus was tired, hungry, and worn out during His forty days of prayer and fasting. Sound familiar? He persevered … and so must we. We were taught as children to “give up something” for Lent. The sacrifices in Lent are really penance, in the same spirit as the Ninehvites that repented at the preaching of Jonah. Many Catholics now add something during Lent rather than giving up something. The Church does not specifically require that we do something beyond the requirements of fasting and abstinence. To do nothing, however, would certainly not be in keeping with the spirit of Lent. Furthermore, the sacrifices and extra things we do for Lent help us grow closer to Christ. We are missing out on so many graces if we do not participate fully in Lent. It is not necessary to be perfect but we should put forth a good effort. A good practice is to do something extra in prayer, something involving fasting (whether limiting our intake of food or giving up something non-food related), and something involving almsgiving (giving money or goods to the needy or doing extra acts of charity). This may take discipline on our parts. May the Lord strengthen us to serve with love during Lent, and may we remember to pray for one another during this time.

May God bless you all,

Father John