Lent Is Near - Almsgiving

Almsgiving

Almsgiving seems to be an archaic word. Contemporary, casual conversation likely does not make use of the word. This can make it all the easier for us to brush this pillar of Lent off as the least important, or even one to turn a blind eye toward. Yet in this Year of Mercy, almsgiving takes on even more significance than usual.

Almsgiving asks us what we are offering to those in need. What are we offering those who are in need of the basics of living – food, shelter, safety, education, health care, safety? What are we offering to those who suffer in mind and heart – those with mental illnesses, those who are lonely, those who are grieving? What are we offering not only financially with donations and handouts, but with our time and talent? 

Almsgiving reminds us that we need to live the works of mercy in our daily lives. The works of mercy are more than simply serving the poor or providing a social service. The works of mercy mean we encounter Christ in the other, affirm their humanity, and serve their needs. The works of mercy push us to see God in the individuals and situations that make us uncomfortable. They remind us that we need to respond charitably and with love to the challenges of daily life and the needs of others.

How can you give of your time and gifts this Lent? How can you be more loving and charitable to those in your life?

Lent Is Near - Prayer

Communication

Another pillar of Lent, comes in so many forms. At its root, prayer is a conversation with God. Like any relationship, communication is key. Prayer draws us closer to God and allows the time and space for God to work in our hearts.

During Lent, you are encouraged to pray more than usual. This may mean that you add, for the first time, five minutes of prayer time to your day. Perhaps you might consider adding in one or two weekday Masses. Perhaps it might be attending the Evenings of Reflection on February 18 or March 15. Perhaps it might be lighting a candle and praying for the individuals who will be baptized, receive first Eucharist, and be confirmed at the Easter vigil.

There are countless ways to pray. If you wait to find time to pray, the search is often fruitless. Like anything else, we need to make the time to pray. Set aside a concrete block of time daily that you can spend in prayer. You may find it helpful to have a partner, a friend or significant other, who can help hold you accountable to your prayer time and your other Lenten practices. They can also be a source of support and encouragement.

Lent Is Near!

Drawing Near

Lent is quickly approaching. In fact, we are just a week away. Are you ready?

It seems that Lent often catches us off guard, particularly when it begins as early as it does this year. Have you started to think about how you will embrace the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and alms-giving? I encourage you to take time in the next week to reflect on the things that pull you further away from God – do you lose hours on end binge watching the latest show online? Do have such a busy schedule that there is no time for prayer or reflection? Do you have a guilty pleasure that you spend too much time with? These sorts of questions that cause us to reflect on where we spend our minutes, hours, and days can quickly lead us to better understand what might be fruitful to give up for Lent. Perhaps it is letting go of our online TV watching or changing our commitments so we have time to enter into prayer and to take care of ourselves. 

Lent is an opportunity to draw closer to God, to encounter his mercy. Where is God calling to you? What might you be able to offer up as a sacrifice to grow in your relationship to God?