How's your Lent going? Three helpful suggestions

We are in the second week of Lent, the season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It is a time of patience, reflection, and of growth as we strive to become more like Jesus. Some people have given up chocolate or coffee for Lent. Others fast from a variety of vices, perhaps too many to mention. With all of this in mind, we may question ourselves at this point, “How is Lent going for me so far?” Below are a few helpful suggestions to make the most of Lent and to ponder ways to be a true disciple of Christ.

Reflection

One of the best ways to make the most of Lent is to be a person of stillness and reflection with the Lord. We live in a time of constant cell phone usage, busy-ness, and movement. It is a challenging task to live in a mindset of reflection, peace, and tranquility as a way to live out day-to-day life. Slowing down, taking the time to listen to others, and seeking time in prayer is a great place to begin when it comes to Lenten practices. Reflection is a method of reacting peacefully and calmly when we are forced to live at a fast pace. Taking the time to breathe and appreciate life with God’s presence at the forefront of our thoughts is a way to do this.

Sacrificial living

When we temporarily give up something we love a lot during Lent, it is an offering to God, and it is something good. If our intentions are to go back to doing whatever it is that we gave up after Lent is over, this is not the way to go about it. Sacrificial living and giving is best when we intend to make a practice ongoing. Giving to those in need and going without something is more meaningful when we intend to continue living in this way. Our practices should be something we plan to implement long after Lent as a way to imitate Christ, our Savior. When you decide what you will “give up” for Lent, consider giving up something that is truly a negative aspect of your life, not just a temporary fast which you intend to go back to when Easter begins.

Cultivating better relationships

The Lord desires for us to model him especially in terms of how we treat other people. The closest people in our lives often times are family members we live with. Cultivating better and more virtuous relationships with family and those closest with us enables us to model the Lord. When we put the needs of others first, become better listeners, and seek reconciliation where possible, we are living our best Lent. In addition, think about those people in your life with whom you have had a falling out with. Consider reaching out to a forgotten friend or to reconcile with someone if you are able. This is not always possible, but we can offer our prayers. We are not able to change the past, but with God’s help, we may be able to bring hope and friendship to situations that previously seemed impossible. These are ways to create better relationships all for God’s sake.

When pondering Lent, remember first to pray, fast, and to give alms. Praying is the most efficacious activity we can do in order to grow. We can fast from those things in our lives that in the end are harmful to our souls, and we can give to others both materially and spiritually. With the help of Christ, we can make the very most of Lent.