Add Something to Lenten Sacrifices

Looking back at my college experience, I will be reminded of some advice from a college professor when it came to adjusting my college roster. His words, “When you take out something, add another in its place,” Those words can have meaning to many of us. With Lent approaching, some of us may have a challenging time discerning what our Lenten sacrifices will be. On the flip side, the prevalent question will resonate in our heads on what to do in our sacrifice’s place.

Here are some common suggestions for the sacrifices many will offer during Lent and what to do in their places.

Giving Up Doom Scroll or Social Media

The portable computer that we all carry around can be a weapon of mass distraction and even passiveness. For anyone considering this as a sacrifice this Lent, maybe reading scripture can fill the void, praying the rosary, chaplet, or even the Litany of Humility are good suggestions. Be sure to start the morning or evening with prayer

Another good practice in place of the phone is journaling. In it, write about the way you see God in others. Share how you proclaim God at school, work, or when in the public square.

Gossiping

Pray for the person. Talk to the person directly instead of being associated with the gossip that circulates among circles of friends. Words tend to break down a person’s dignity and character. It is better to build up the person.

Complaining

Offer a prayer for a soul in purgatory. Consider why you have a challenging task at hand or when things are not going your way. Practice patience.

Snacks

We all crave a snack sometime during the day. With Lent, we have to take a hard look as to why we must offer that craving. Another can also give up sugary drniks and drink water or tea even black coffee.

Retail Therapy

Some may want to budget our money better. Often, we shop as a way to relieve our stress, yet when we buy something we seem to forget if we need it or not. Maybe that $50 that went to new clothes or a book can be considered towards the offertory for Mass or a donation to a Catholic organization in need.

Laziness

Instead of sitting around doing nothing, Lent can be a time when one can do an extra chore, volunteer to help at church, soup kitchen, or even community cleanup. Perhaps opportunities to improve one’s health can be a must by learning exercises that will benefit the body.

Lent is a time of transformation. Make the move to improve oneself. Give Jesus all that you wish to sacrifice as he will take it on like he did on Good Friday.