Why Do We Need Lent?

Lent is right in front of us, a little more than a week away. Lent this year begins with Ash Wednesday on March 5, 2025. Why do we do this every year? It’s more than just a build-up to our celebration of the Passion of Our Lord (Palm Sunday, Good Friday) in preparation for remembering His death and Resurrection. We need Lent for ourselves and our spiritual lives.

Despite our best efforts, we tend to get distracted, especially by the secular world around us. Spiritual concerns seem to fall into the background. We get wrapped up in ourselves, our jobs, our families, and the secular world in general. All of these are distractions from God, who should come first. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” (Mt 6:33)

Despite the resolutions we might have made at the beginning of the new year or even the periodic resolve to “do better” (e.g., preparing for confession) throughout the year, we often succumb to the pressures around us, whether from family, friends, work, or just society in general (especially our electronics). Lent is a time to reflect on how we are affected by these things and a time to concentrate on strengthening our spiritual lives.

For example, social media has become a terrible distraction, so much so that many school systems are banning smartphones during school hours. And they are achieving positive results in students’ learning. This is true also for us. Things like this isolate us from others even though we think we are “connecting.” Isolation is a tool of the devil.

As St. Paul told us, we are engaged in spiritual warfare: “Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.” (Ephesians 6:11-12) Looking at what has happened in recent years; the abortion pandemic (fostered heavily by a supposedly Catholic president), the heinous Hamas attacks on women and children in Israel, the antisemitism rife on our college campuses, the gangs and cartels bringing drugs and violence through our open borders, and so on, and don’t overlook the death and destruction wrought by Nazism and Communism in the last century, we can’t help but acknowledge that there is evil in the world.

Catholics are called upon to be bold and stand firm against evil and for our faith. We are called to action, and NOT to be passive. This requires us to exercise and strengthen our spiritual muscles. Lent is a time to regain our focus on spiritual things. Through our fasting, abstinence, prayer and scripture study, as well as examination of conscience we can learn where our weaknesses lie and, with God’s grace, strive to strengthen ourselves spiritually. Dr. David Anders, on EWTN, calls this an “illumination of conscience.”

Most often the thing we put between us and God is ourselves. We have a difficult time with humility. “God has to keep reminding us of the two most obvious truths in the world: that we are not him, and that he is not us.” (Dr. Peter Kreeft, Food for the Soul, Cycle C)

So practice humility; believe it or not it strengthens you. “Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.” (Sirach, 3:18)

But don’t fall into the trap of “what can I do better.” A recent EWTN TV show asked the question, “Are you praying about what you’re going to do on your Lenten journey?” Praying is important for discernment. Ask God to help you. Through learning our weaknesses we begin to know where we need God’s help to do better, become better Catholics, and follow Him by bearing our crosses faithfully. By looking inwardly we can turn our attention to those things that are separating us from God and hindering our commitment to Him.

Jesus called us to be the light of the world but cautioned us not to hide that light under a basket. We are to put it out there for the world to see. He also promised that He would be there to help us as long as we remain in Him. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

This will require courage and strength and a firm commitment to our faith. “Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.” (1 Cor 16:13) The sacrifices we make during Lent help to strengthen our faith. They also help show our love for God as sacrifice is an outgrowth of love. It is also a time to concentrate on change. Jesus calls us to change, and that change must continue throughout our lives.

This is why we make extra sacrifices during Lent; to bring about that change, give it a kick-start. However, don’t try to overdo it. Don’t set unachievable goals for yourself. Do what you know you can commit to. You can always increase but it’s easy to get discouraged when you miss your goal. In that case, as Venerable Bruno Lanteri said, “Never fail to begin again.” Hopefully some of these practices will carry on through the year, helping us to continue our spiritual growth.

St. Peter told us why we need to be strong. “Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) There will be trials, “But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)

So what do we do when we fail in our Lenten sacrifices and initiatives? The first thing to remember is that falling is not a disaster. We are, after all, human. “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) We have a leader who is a Savior and has given us a path to redemption. So when we fall, we pick ourselves up and get back on track.

“Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

Avail yourselves of the graces Jesus offers us, especially through the sacraments. Some possible goals include trying to attend at least one additional mass weekly, attend adoration weekly or at least spend a Holy Hour with the Lord in the tabernacle (daily, if possible). If you can’t do that set a time to be in a quiet place in your home in a room with a crucifix and pray. Be consistent. Try to say a daily rosary. Go to confession. Receive Jesus in the Eucharist with reverence and awe. And, most especially, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17)

“Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” (Revelation 14:12)