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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
We are several days into the season of Lent. How is it going? Have you been able to keep the commitments that you decided upon? Are you still trying to decide what to do? I ask these questions because now is a good time to take a self-assessment of where you are, and I would suggest doing this each weekend during Lent. We can use each weekend to review the past week, adjust our commitments, and maybe add or remove things as well. As with all journeys we go on in life, we need to assess where we are and adjust accordingly.
If you are still looking for things to do for your Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, here are my recommendations. First, keep it simple! This was a great piece of advice from my spiritual directors in the seminary. We can start out very ambitious and come up with a long list with hard items thinking “this is going be the best Lent ever” and “all of these things will make the difference.” However, if we focus on one or two items, then we have a greater opportunity to make progress. This brings me back to what I said earlier in the article. There might have to be adjustments due to your experiences which could include adding or removing something. By keeping it simple, we will remain focused on where the Lord is truly leading us.
Second, the focus should not just be “giving up” something. My encouragement this year would be to start with prayer and almsgiving. I would prefer someone to add more prayer time and/or giving of themselves rather than giving up something. These practices help us to be connected with the Lord. Once the practices of prayer and almsgiving grow in your Lenten journey and spiritual life, then I believe we will see what we truly need to give up.
Finally, if you are still looking for what to do for this Lent, I would suggest reading the “Stump the Deacon” article right after this bulletin article. Deacon George provides some great recommendations that address the spiritual life, daily practices, and practices that help to remind us of what the season is about: reminding ourselves of God’s love and mercy for us and drawing closer towards Him. It is never too late to add something in your journey or to switch your focus.
These are just a few things that come to mind as we begin Lent. I am sure there will be more as the Lord continues to guide me. Please know of my prayers for you during this Lenten season!
Through the Alliance of the Two Hearts,
Fr. Matthew