Faithful called to grow in relationship with Christ and the Church this Lent

This Wednesday, February 22, is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season. We are blessed this year to welcome Bishop James F. Checchio to our parish for Ash Wednesday. Bishop Checchio will preside and preach at the 4:30 pm Liturgy of the Word.

The Lenten season is penitential in nature. But penance is not punishment. Penance is always remedial in nature. Penance heals what has been injured by sin and sets right again what has been wronged. This season emphasizes our need for personal repentance as a means of our ongoing conversion to Jesus Christ. The Liturgy itself reflects this reality. The church becomes stark in appearance, unadorned by flowers and other enhancements, so that only the altar, ambo, and cross visually dominate the Mass. Even the music tends to be more sobering to underscore the season’s call to ongoing conversion of life. This “stripping away” of unnecessary things in the liturgy is an outward expression of what should become an inner reality for each of us, the invitation to clear away all that impedes us from Christ, who alone is the one necessary thing.

Prayer, Fasting, and Works of Mercy

Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (the works of mercy) are the pillars of the Lenten discipline we are about to undertake. The purpose of our fasting and other works of penance is to help us realign our lives to Christ and His teaching. “Giving up” things for Lent: desserts, internet time, video games, and the like are all good things if they are directed toward Christ and deepening our communion with Him through the sacraments, prayer, and the service of others.

A friend once asked me what he should give up for Lent. I responded with, “Have you asked the Lord that question?” I think my response reshaped the way he thought about choosing a Lenten discipline. My friend, like many of us, myself included, often begin Lent with a plan of our own creation. Many of the things we want to do are good things, but are they the things God is asking of us? Do they help to heal what sin has injured or correct what has been wronged? Before you chose a Lenten discipline, pray with the question, “What are you asking of me this Lent, Lord?” And then do what helps heal the wounds of sin and leads us to greater union with Christ.

Focus on personal spiritual development: Think about the trivial things that divert your attention away from Christ. Do you spend more time on your phone, watching TV, or on the computer than you do with the Lord in prayer or in being present to your family members? If you do, what is something you could go without or begin to limit to pray more and give more of your time to the people who most need it? Now think about adding something to your life that will help you make a step toward the Lord. You may want to set aside time each day for personal prayer, or begin reading the Scriptures or other spiritual reading. Perhaps volunteering in the parish or in some community organization that needs your gifts and talents? Or donating money saved by giving up something to the parish or the charity of your choice?

Get to Mass as often as possible: Of course, Sunday Mass is a non-negotiable. But many people attend daily Mass as often as they can during Lent. Perhaps this is your year to do the same. There is no better way to grow closer to the Lord than in the Eucharist!

Practice self-examination and reflection: Good self-knowledge and constant reflection on the love and mercy of God is absolutely essential in the spiritual life. We need to be about the business of growing beyond our sins and personal faults into a more faithful, joyful, and virtuous life. Lent is a good time to incorporate self-examination and reflection into your prayer. It is also a good time to get to know your faith better so you can better reflect on the goodness and love of God. Why not do a little spiritual reading this Lent or participate in one of our adult faith formation classes?

Get to confession: The Sacrament of Reconciliation is not easy. It can be very uncomfortable to humbly admit to a priest the many ways in which we have turned from the love of God and neighbor. But any honest self-examination will always be somewhat uncomfortable. God’s mercy is like water; it will always seek our lowest point. God meets us in our humility, not to chastise and punish, but to heal and restore. We are all sinners, priests included, in need of His mercy. Even if it’s been a long time since you’ve been to confession, Christ waits for you in the sacrament. Confessions are heard in church every Saturday beginning at 3:30 pm or anytime by appointment with a priest.

Participate in Lenten traditions: Fridays have traditionally been the day when the Passion of Christ is recalled in Catholic devotional life. One way we do this is by praying the Stations of the Cross on Friday nights. Pick one Friday night during Lent and attend Stations of the Cross with your family.

The Stations of the Cross: The Stations of the Cross will be prayed in church beginning on Friday, February 24, and on each Friday of Lent. The stations will be prayed in English at 7:00 pm and in Spanish at 7:45 pm on all the Fridays of Lent.

Eucharistic Adoration: The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in the church immediately following the 8:00 am daily Mass on each Tuesday and Friday. Consider spending some time with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament during Lent.

The Works of Mercy: Set aside another Friday night for a “Family Service Night,” perhaps by volunteering at a local shelter for the poor, or by buying canned goods for the county food bank, or by cleaning out your closets and donating the clothes you don’t wear anymore to Catholic Charities. The works of mercy are many. Choose one and offer it to God in love of Him and neighbor.

Remember, Lent is about healing what has been injured and strengthening virtuous habits in us that will help us grow in relationship with Christ and the Church. I pray yours is a fruitful Lent!