Traditionally, the observances of Lent
have been structured around three practices:
1. Fasting
It is an ancient spiritual practice and it is not unique to Christianity. All major religions recognize the value of fasting.
During Lent, we fast and abstain from meat on certain days. But we also fast by the common practice of “Giving something us for Lent.”
- It is penitential, a way to express sorrow for our sins.
- It teaches us that we don’t need those things to be happy.
- It is learning spiritual self-discipline, preparing us for greater sacrifices we will be called on to make further down the road.
- It is a way of expressing solidaritywith the poor of this world, the poor in whom Jesus says we will meet him.
What is give up?
- A type of food
- Television or internet time
- Unnecessary spending or shopping
- Alcohol or caffeine
2. Prayer
During Lent, our prayer takes on a special tone:
- we are especially aware of our sins.
- we join in prayer for candidates and catechumens,
- we pray for our own deeper conversion to the Lord.
We celebrate Lent as a chance to deepen their spiritual lives and go beyond Sunday Mass:
- Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- Attend Mass during the week
- Read and pray with the Mass readings for each day.
- Participate in a Bible study or other parish offering
- Use one of the many Catholic daily devotionals available.
- Pray the Stations of the Cross, either individually or in you parish.
- Pray the rosary.
- Spend time in Eucharistic Adoration
- Do some extra spiritual reading.
3. Almsgiving
Jesus tells us that when we feed the hungry, visit the imprisoned, and clothe the naked, we are encountering him. Being mindful of the poor is not an option for Christians.
Practicing the 14 works of Mercy in mind (can you list them?):
A. Corporal works of mercy are those that tend to bodily needs.
- Feed the hungry (help out at a soup kitchen, donate food).
- Give drink to the thirsty.
- Clothe the naked.
- Shelter the Homeless
- Visit the sick
- Visit the imprisoned
- Bury the dead
B. The spiritual acts of mercy provide for the needs of the spirit.
- Instruct the ignorant
- Counsel the doubtful
- Admonish the sinner
- Bear wrongs patiently
- Forgive offenses willingly
- Comfort the sorrowful
- Pray for the living and the dead
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