DO MORE; NOT LESS DURING LENT

By now, many Catholics are looking at the calendar and realized that a change in the liturgical season is coming. Whenever Lent draws closer (think of the meme on social media that has the mirror with a message that read “objects are closer than they appear”), we panic or scramble like Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl to come up with a plan. Slow down.

Lent is not an end all season. Instead, it is one that helps us die to ourselves. The main purpose is to draw closer to Jesus’s passion through the Easter Triduum. For many of us, it can be a challenge to give up something.

The good news is Lent is not about giving up chocolate, social media, and entertainment. Rather, the main thing to give up is sin. We are in a culture that is filled with so much temptation. We must learn to train our minds to overcome the worldly passions that surround us.

Here are some activities to do during Lent.

Take Part in 40 Days for Life

From February 22nd to April 2nd, there will prayer vigils outside of abortion facilities throughout the world. Jesus said in Matthew, “Can you not watch for one hour?” God wants us to watch for one hour to protect life. The loving and prayerful presence of Catholics will defeat the culture of death. Here’s a great video series on dos and don’ts when participating in pro-life vigils like 40 Days for Life. Can’t go alone? Team up with a pro-lifer that frequently participates in peaceful vigils. 

Attend Holy Hours

Find an adoration chapel and spend time with our lord in the Blessed Sacrament. It is through this divine sacrament that it will change us spiritually. Strive to attend a weekly Holy Hour during Lent.

Pray the Rosary

One thing that I have done in the past is holding onto Christmas cards that I receive from family and friends. When Lent rolls around, I would pull a card out for the day and offer my rosary for that person, organization, or family. Make a list of people to pray for and pick their names out of a hat.

Note: The Sorrowful mysteries can take the place of the Glorious during Lent.

Volunteer

Take part in service opportunities. Volunteer at soup kitchens. Participate in homeless outreach. Do some tasks at a pregnancy resource center. See if a church needs help.

Spiritual Reading

Whether it’s during adoration, before or after, or before bed, our Catholic faith is packed with so much wisdom that must be passed on to every Catholic. Read about a saint or their writings. Even take time to go deeper into a teaching that is often misunderstood.

Make this Lent memorable. The list above is a good way to draw closer to God. It’s not as hard as many tend to make it.

“The glory of these forty days we celebrate with songs of praise, for Christ, through whom all things were made, himself has fasted and has prayed.” The Glory of These Forty Days