The practice of Lent

Whether or not you have a Lenten practice, I would ask you to consider this. Perhaps this Lent you are being called not to give up something, but to add something to your life: more patience, more understanding, more helping, more prayer and reflection.

Or, to put it another way, ask yourself the question, what is God inviting me to change about myself this Lent? Can I listen to the voice of God in my deepest heart and let God’s word lead me through these coming days, helping me to be faithful and loving, open to the graces God wants to give me?

I don’t think the Lent, at its deepest level, is about giving up things. I think it’s really about receiving what God wants to give us.

Let’s pray for each other during this season of Lent, and may it be a time of personal growth and a more active practice of our Christian virtues. May we approach the celebration of Easter next month having opened ourselves over these coming weeks to the gifts God holds out to us.