An Invitation To Go Deeper 

Lent is upon us. This 4-letter word calls us to 40 days of: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Lent is an invitation to discover the depth of Jesus sacrifice on the cross, which brings us into the glory of His Resurrection. Let us journey into the deep by seeing almsgiving as a place of encounter, prayer an examination of our hearts, and fasting as a way to follow Jesus more closely. 

Prayer: Examining Our Hearts 

As we consider the invitation to go deeper we begin by considering how we are loved and have been created in love by God, who has a unique plan for each of us. God shows us this love through the Church, the Sacraments, and the many gifts he bestows upon us, in particular through the love of family and friends, a love which forms the foundation of our friendship with God. We are blessed with a God who dwells within our hearts, who is always faithful. So how do we grow in relationship with God? Communication is absolutely essential, and the only way that we can let God into each and every aspect of our lives and follow his plan for us is through prayer. St. Ignatius, encourages us to reflect on the day and consider on the following: 

† Where did I see God today? 

† In what ways did I fail to live as God has called me to? 

† Look forward to the next day: What are some things I will need God to help me with? This Lent, may we continue to grow deeper in our relationship with God. 

A New Perspective on Fasting 

What are you giving up for Lent? Can I do it for 40 days? Fasting is not a time of doom and gloom, nor is it all about us. Fasting has a twofold purpose: a time of sacrifice. We give up something we enjoy and unite it with Jesus suffering on the cross. This self-denial helps us to take the focus off ourselves and redirect that focus on Jesus. The second purpose of fasting is to realize our dependence on God. We empty ourselves and replace what we give up, in order to make more time and space for the Lord. The yearning for our earthly desires is meant to help us recognize our need for God. When we are united with Jesus, we go from being sell-centered to being other-Centered. 

This Lent, consider some of the following ways to fast: 

Fast from judging others to giving compliments 

Fast from TikTok/instagram/Facebook/TV to spend that time in prayer 

Fast from complaining and be grateful for at least one thing each day 

Fast from using foul language and say only kind things 

Fast from worry and turn to God with all that you hold in your heart 

Fast from judging yourself and find one positive thing about you each day

Fast from gossiping and say only affirming things about others 

Fast from wanting your way and learn to compromise 

Almsgiving as Encounter 

The word "almsgiving” comes from Greek & Latin words meaning “pity/mercy.” Our Catechism calls it a fundamental witness to fraternal charity* (CCC 2462). This fraternal charity offers us a different way to think about almsgiving in light of Pope Francis’ call to the global church to encounter one another and to explore a way of being church in which we journey together as brothers and sisters. Pope Francis throughout his pontificate has called the church to a deeper encounter with each other. He has also called us to care for our Earth. Perhaps we could look at some of the following encounters: Take the time to listen to someone who needs to be listened to. Make an effort to engage with someone with whom you disagree Spend time with a grandparent or other elderly family member or friend Consciously conserve water, or cut back on your use of plastics. Take time to learn about the challenges faced by migrants, displaced persons, minority groups, and others on the margins of society and donate to organizations assisting them.