Lent Is a Time of Renewal
One dictionary defines “Lenten” as “pertaining to or suitable for Lent, as in austerity: meager.” We often home in on that idea and forget that Lent in the Church is a preparation for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery, the dying and rising of Jesus, the Lord.
Lent is a time to renew our relationship with God. It is a time when we become holier in the Lord than we were before. During this time, three activities should permeate our lives: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. But these are not just Lenten practices; they should become part of our lives throughout the year.
Prayer helps us discern the will of God, what it is that He calls us to be. Lent is a time to establish a daily time for prayer and then carry it over into the rhythm of our living for the rest of our lives.
Fasting helps us to be less self centered and more other-centered. Fasting also promotes
healthy eating habits. This is a way to look after the health of the life that God has given us, thus showing respect for God’s great gift of life.
Almsgiving makes us more aware of the needs of others. It helps us say “no” to
self indulgence and makes available the means to assist those most in need.
I recently visited Catholic Parish Outreach here in Raleigh to bring some food and money for those in need. There were people outside waiting, in the entry hall waiting. The waiting room itself was filled with people. Clearly, hunger is abroad in our midst.
This was a sure sign of people in need. Fasting and almsgiving would make money available to help them. What a wonderful, loving way to fulfill the Lord’s command to feed the hungry and clothe the naked! Increasing our awareness of the needy is a wonderful way for us to reinvigorate our observance of the Holy Season of Lent. Through our prayers and fasting and almsgiving, we can grow closer to the Lord at the same time as we grow closer to our needy brothers and sisters.
Msgr. Thomas P. Hadden