Some Tips on How to Prepare for Lent!

 In Pastor's Notes-Fr. Ritche

Every year, as we approach the season of Lent, we tend to prepare by asking: “What am I going to give up for Lent?”  The answer to this question is usually around food.  “I am giving up sweets or I am giving up carbs.”  Don’t get me wrong those are all good.  But we have to keep in mind that Lent is not a time to go on a diet or to lose weight.  Rather, give up something because it helps us renew our spiritual lives and build a better relationship with God and others.

I find it fascinating that as we begin Lent, on Ash Wednesday, the scripture readings of that day are filled joy, hope, and anticipation.  The book of Joel says: “Blow a trumpet in Zion… call an assembly; gather the people, assemble the elders, gather the children…” Similarly, in his Letter the Corinthians, St. Paul says: “We are ambassadors for Christ…Behold now is a very acceptable time; behold now is the day of salvation.” And in our gospel Jesus says: “Do not look gloomy!”   These readings suggest that Lent is a time of a joyful preparation for the great feast of Easter.  In our fasting, in our prayer, in our almsgiving, we must always radiate joy and not one of burden.

I believe that Lent will be a wonderful season of grace for us if we give ourselves to it.  And we give ourselves to it to the degree that we really want it badly.  In these days before Lent, we need to prepare our hearts.  We need to realize how much we are loved and blessed.  In acknowledging this, we lighten our spirits and experience some real joy and realize how much some parts of our lives really need readjusting.

Lent is not an “ordeal.”  Rather this holy season – a time to anticipate that something great is about to happen.   In order for us to get a sense of excitement, I believe we need to shift our focus from “What do I want to give up” to “What does God want to give me this year?”  Reflect on it for a moment! The excitement that there is something coming that we can look forward to.

We are in a very unique situation and because of that it is quite difficult to ask what we are giving up.  This year, we should think of what God is about to offer us.  This will take a lot of preparation.  So, these days before Lent must a period of prayerful reflection and calming of our minds and our hearts so that we can listen to the voice of God.

Be open as to how God will reveal His love of us this Lent. Are you ready to know and receive what God is giving us this Lent? You might be surprised!

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