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Top 10 Lenten Practices
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"The seasons and days of penance in the course of the liturgical year (Lent, and each Friday in memory of the death of the Lord) are intense moments of the Church's penitential practice. These times are particularly appropriate for: spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and fraternal sharing (charitable and missionary works)."
-Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1438.
THE THREE C'S: IT'S TIME TO GROW UP
- Still giving up the three C's for Lent - coke, coffee, and chocolate? There's certainly no harm in that, and for some of us, the sacrifice of those 3 C's certainly leave a space for GOD to come into that we would normal fill with these good pleasures. That said, it is good to ask ourselves each year how our current penances are aiding our relationship with Christ. Some of us journey through the season of Lent with the penances we adopted as children. Some of us fast from our indulgences, only to return to them at Easter.
Lent is a time of renewal. It's a time for deepened relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. It's a time where we, adults, are able to look in the mirror as adults and adopt spiritual exercises for adults.
However, many Catholics need help discerning what to do for Lent. Here are ten things to think about. Pick one ... and ask God to make this Lent your best ever.
- TOP TEN LENT PENANCES FOR A MATURE CHRISTIAN
No. 1 Daily Mass - It would great to make daily Mass everyday, Monday through Friday. Let's shoot for that. However, if everyday can't work, shoot for three days a week for starters. There are tons of Masses in the diocese and that means there is one near you. You may be thinking that you don't have time for daily Mass. However, re-think your time. Maybe it's time to start leaving work on time. Maybe it's time to get up early. Maybe it's the year to "fast" from lunch a few days a week. You've got the time, it's time to ask God where and how to go to daily Mass.
No. 2 Daily Prayer - There are a ton of great Lenten resources and reflections that can help you pray through Lent. Whatever you choose, make a commitment to being committed: pray 20 minutes every day during Lent.
No 3 Learn how to pray - One of the things that prevents most Catholics from sustaining a Lenten penance of daily prayer is the humble admitting that most adults don't know how to pray. When we were kids we learned how to "say our prayers." Well, that worked when you were a kid. But, adult-sized problems aren't solved with kid-sized prayers. If you're looking to learn how to pray, check Oremus: A Guide to Catholic Prayer. Click here for a few samples. Click here to order.
No. 4 The Sacrament of Reconciliation - This Lent, try going to Confession regularly ... maybe even once a week! Sounds crazy, I know. However, if we first learn "how" to really go to Confession then we'll grow leaps and bounds by adding the gift of Reconciliation to our spiritual exercise. Learn more about the Sacrament of Reconcilation by clicking HERE.
No. 5 Focus on one sin - None of us are perfect. In fact, when many of us look at our litany of habitual sin we can get overwhelmed and wonder: "Where do I start?" Here's my encouragement: let go of your pursuit of perfection. Focus on one sin. Focus on your most predominant sin. Focus on your most repetitive sin. Be an adult: focus on your biggest sin ... the one you don't like to admit or talk about. This is where weekly Confession is your best friend. Even if you keep reporting the same sin in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, keep going. The advice from your Confessor will help you learn more about the pattern.
No. 6 Balance - This one might seem to be a surprise at number six on my top ten; however, for professional adults nothing will impact your life more than allowing God to order your life. Tell me if you've ever thought this: "I wish I had more time for my marriage." "I wish I had more time for my family." "I don't have enough time." If you've ever thought those thoughts join the rest of human race. This Lent make a commitment to read one of these two books: When Work and Family Collide by Andy Stanley or Off Balance by Matthew Kelly.
No. 7 Fast - Fasting is a gift. In dying to what our cravings crave we master our compulsions and grow in freedom. Click here for Matthew Kelly's "how" and "why" of fasting. That being said ... I encourage you to really pray about fasting ... perhaps it's time to notch it up a bit.
No. 8 Almsgiving - Like fasting, almsgiving is one of those things that has really fallen into a surficial understanding. Luckily, Pope Francis has captured the world's imagination with his integrity and witness. Click here for a great blog on the "how" and "why" of almsgiving.
No. 9 Volunteer - I've heard it said that love is often spelled "T-I-M-E". Often times that's true. We in the West cherish nothing more than time. We spend to save time. We rush to save time. Yet, none of us have the time we long for. This is where the sprite of Lent hits us in the heart. Instead of clinging to ourselves and trying to save for us, spend some time serving others. Call your church parish. Call your favorite charity. Call somebody. Commit to serving others once a week this Lent.
No. 10 Pope Francis - Papa Francisco ... what a gift he is. This Lent, let the Holy Father be your pilgrimage director. Learn about him. Enter into his mind. Swim in his heart. Read what he says ... not what the media says he says. Click here for Pope Francis' 2017 Lenten Message. Click here to see what the Holy Father says each day. Click here for Pope Francis' daily Mass homilies.
- Still giving up the three C's for Lent - coke, coffee, and chocolate? There's certainly no harm in that, and for some of us, the sacrifice of those 3 C's certainly leave a space for GOD to come into that we would normal fill with these good pleasures. That said, it is good to ask ourselves each year how our current penances are aiding our relationship with Christ. Some of us journey through the season of Lent with the penances we adopted as children. Some of us fast from our indulgences, only to return to them at Easter.