Over
40 days, 3 steps to
a renewed heart
It seems the Christmas decorations have only just been stored away, and
already we have begun Lent. We did so on Wednesday as ash, a sign of finality,
marked our heads with an outward sign of repentance for sin. Whether we
decide to eat more fish or give up a favorite food for Lent, these 40
days represent a turn toward inner conversion, culminating in the passion
and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. At Easter, our salvation will be marked
by a sign of newness and rebirth: the waters of baptism.
For now, the Church offers the tried-and-true practices of prayer, fasting
and almsgiving to guide Christians along the journey of Lent.
An essential component of spiritual preparation is the focus on repentance
from sin, and turning back to God, the Father of mercies. The sacrament
of reconciliation remains a rich font of grace that helps Catholics live
out Jesus’ command to “go, and sin no more.” The Archdiocese
of Philadelphia’s Pardon and Peace effort (details on page 1) makes
it more convenient to go to confession. Throughout Lent, priests in churches
of the Archdiocese will hear confessions on Wednesday evenings. Frequent
reception of this sacrament and the Eucharist helps to form in us a firm
and lasting spiritual foundation.
One way to intensify our prayer life during Lent is through the practice
of fasting. Giving up certain foods or choosing to limit one’s meals
has beneficial effects beyond a slimmer waistline. Doing either or both
helps us to recall our dependence on God for all that we need. Fasting
also helps us remember our needy brothers and sisters who may not enjoy
the quantity or quality of meals that we typically do.
A remembrance of the poor in our midst and throughout the world should
include a direct response, as we give, within our means, to the poor.
We might contribute money to services that sustain the needy, such as
the Catholic Charities Appeal. Or, we might offer the gift of our time
to our own parish or volunteer with Catholic Social Services. Whether
we give from our pockets or from our hands, our offering becomes a sign
to the world of Christ’s gift of salvation for all.
Lent affords the opportunity for interior renewal and a more intense closeness
to Jesus Christ our Savior, whose passion and resurrection we will celebrate
at the conclusion of these 40 days.