Welcome to Lent

As Ash Wednesday draws near, many of us often find ourselves wondering what we ought to “give up” for Lent.

Lenten sacrifices can be valuable if they help increase our reliance on Jesus and if the void, we create by giving something up opens up space in our hearts for God to fill.

As much as we consider something to abstain from during Lent, we ought to consider what we can commit to as well. What outside actions can we take to better ignite the flame of our faith within us?

“The Church always calls Lent a Holy season. It’s a time of preparation, where we’re preparing to walk with Jesus on the way to Calvary…God himself desires to give us a special grace and many graces to accompany us this Lent.”

This Lent let us consider what Pope Francis recommends,

Prayer

“Let us not grow tired of praying”. He has also encouraged people to pause in prayer to receive God’s word.

Fasting

“Let us not grow tired of uprooting evil from our lives”. He has encouraged people to adopt a sober lifestyle and to follow the example of the Good Samaritan.

Charitable giving

“Let us not grow tired of doing good in active charity towards our neighbour”. He has encouraged people to give generously to others, especially those in need.

Relationships

“Examine whether you are truly walking with others”. He has encouraged people to listen to others and to resist the temptation to become self-absorbed.

Conversion

“Lent is a season of conversion, a time of freedom”. He has encouraged people to rediscover God’s call and promise.