Pastor's Corner

What are you going to do for Lent?

03-06-2022Pastor's CornerRev. Robert J. Deehan, V.F.

What are you doing for Lent? One thing I’m thinking about doing is more spiritual reading. But, that won’t be easy as it’ll require reorganizing my routine. And, if you’re into a routine like I am, it takes great discipline to shift things around. I know I’ll benefit from it, but I need to work out the steps NOW before I begin to carry out my plan. How about you? What are you going to do for Lent... not just what are you going to give up for Lent – like eating sweets.

Traditionally, we think about what we want to give up, more as a penitential practice. That’s an important aspect of this season. But, what gets at the heart of the Lenten season is the positive activity you can carry out that will help you grow closer to Jesus and be more like Him. For example, if your attendance at Mass has been spotty, you first need to plan what steps need to be taken to change your routine. Has some other activity taken the place of Mass? What things need to shift around and what activities do you need to fast from? Allow spiritual priorities to have a greater influence in your routine and see what difference it makes.

Things like daily prayer, scripture reading, Confession, helping at a soup kitchen, visiting a family member you haven’t seen in a long while. These are means by which the Holy Spirit can bring about spiritual growth and new life in you. I hope whatever you choose to do for Lent will be something that’ll make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those you touch. How’s that? You may ask. Well, because you’ll be putting your faith into practice and letting Christ’s light shine through you!

BACK TO LIST