Lent 2024 

Next Wednesday, February 14, marks the beginning of Lent. For the next six weeks, Christians are asked to prepare themselves to celebrate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The traditional “three pillars” of preparation are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Prayer. By prayer, we deepen our love for God and make time to daily walk with Christ. Perhaps some ways to do this is to spend an hour each week in adoration. Another suggestion is to attend daily Mass, pray a daily rosary or pick up the “Little Black Book” and do the six-minute meditation each day. This extra time with God provides an opportunity not only to talk to God, but also to listen.

Fasting. Sometimes when our stomachs are full and our lives are full, we forget to take time for God. Fasting is a way to remember how dependent we really are on God. The church requires all member over the age of 18 and not yet 60 (who are in good health) to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. One full meatless meal is allowed and two smaller meals may be taken to maintain strength. Only liquids may be taken between meals. In addition to fasting, each Catholic over the age of 14 is required to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays during Lent. Our little sacrifice reminds us of the sacrifice Jesus made for us on Good Friday We are also encouraged to use the “rice bowls” as a way of cutting back on our own eating and using the money we save to help feed others who do not have enough to eat. This practice dates back to 1975 in Pennsylvania and in the years following has grown in popularity across our country. Yet, refraining from food is not the only king of fasting. St. John Chrysostom, one of the great doctors of the church is quoted, “The value of fasting consists not only in avoiding certain foods, but in giving up of sinful practices. The person who limits his fast only to abstaining from meat is the one who especially lowers the values of it. Do you fast? Prove it by doing good works.”

Almsgiving. This is the third pillar of Lent. Our generosity to others is generosity to the Lord. Acts of kindness or penance help us to develop loving hearts. There are many acts we can do. This year, you will find a tree in the vestibule decorated with little crosses. Each cross includes a specific act of charity. Please take a cross, do the act, and then return the cross to the tree. (This will allow someone else to do the same.)

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is another way to use our Lent to spiritually prepare. The sacrament is held Monday-Friday at 7:30 am and on Saturday afternoons from 3-4 pm. The confessional is located in the adoration chapel.

Six weeks will go by quickly.  I encourage you to use this time of Lent to spiritually prepare for the Easter Triduum.(passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus). The time and effort you take now will deepen your faith and understanding of Jesus. May you use this time wisely.