Believe it or not, we’re halfway through the season of Lent already, with two weeks to go before Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week. Now might be a good time to ask: How’s my Lent been so far?
Has it been a time of grace and an invitation to spend a little more dedicated time in prayer? Have you been able to offer-up sacrifices for others or give to a charity with the intention of making God’s Kingdom a reality in our present day world?
If these past few Lenten weeks haven’t been so stellar – and I am sure for many of us our Lenten plans stayed mostly in the “to do” column of our lives – have no fear. There are still ways to spend these next day’s preparing our hearts for the joys of Resurrection. Some suggestions:
Take a few moments at the start or end of the week and make a gratitude list, thanking God for the blessings that fill your life right now. Thankfulness helps us open our hearts even more to the Lord who is the Giver of all good gifts and reminds us that the negative and difficult challenges in our world do not have the last word.
Return to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and if our normal parish schedule doesn’t work with yours, please reach out to set-up a separate time. In addition, the Diocese will also once again offer Reconciliation Monday on April 14 from 3 to 8 p.m.
Spend a little extra time with Scripture, even if it is simply to read the upcoming Gospel for next Sunday. (We have one more opportunity on Monday 3/31 for Bible Study after the 8:30 a.m. Mass and again at 6:30 p.m.)
Pray the Stations of the Cross with our parish – Fridays at 6:30 p.m. Attend a daily Mass and receive our Lord in the Eucharist. Watch how His presence will grace your day.
Gather the family and watch a faith-based film or TV series. There are a lot of great classics out there, as well as a few newer offerings, including The Chosen.
Drop off a meal (soup and bread – keep it simple) to an elderly or homebound neighbor Fast one day each week from watching the news or scrolling through social media platforms; you’d be surprised at how quickly the anxiety levels drop.
Take each day these final weeks of Lent and pray for a specific person or intention. A decade of the Rosary is a beautiful gift to offer for another’s intentions.
As we journey together toward Easter, may we never forget how much God’s merciful Love longs to lead us into a deeper relationship with Him and with one another. Let us not miss that chance.