1st Sunday of Lent

Dear Parishioners, 

Lenten penances that we choose to do for forty days can be compared to New Year’s resolutions: if we want them to last and to be effective, even though Lent is only forty days, the penance has to be realistic and doable, just as a New Year’s resolution has to be if it will do us some good. The Gospel of Ash Wednesday is a good source for something that we will “do” or “give up” for Lent. First, Jesus talks about almsgiving, or giving our money or time to charity in some way. This action needs to be realistic and doable so that it just doesn’t fizzle out prematurely – the money or time we give must be a realistic amount, literally what we can afford to give – it’s not the amount, it’s the following -through with the commitment. Jesus speaks next of prayer. Simply going to Mass more than just on Sunday during Lent is a good choice if we don’t attend Mass more than once a week already. Doing this as our work schedule allows is a very realistic and doable practice for Lent, which may also carry over throughout the year and become regular practice. Going to Mass is the highest form of prayer that we can engage in. Lastly, Jesus suggests fasting. Only if a person’s health and diet needs allow this, should a person choose to fast during Lent. Fasting is really cutting down significantly on the amount of food one consumes in a day, but it is also refraining or “giving up” one or more foods during Lent. If a person does choose fasting during Lent, Jesus specifically says that one should not neglect his/her appearance while fasting. Jesus says the same about almsgiving and prayer as well: these personal devotional practices are not to be displayed for others to see in any way. People may see others attending Mass more often, but that can’t be helped, yet this attendance is also the type of witness that Jesus wants us to engage in, without fanfare or wanting recognition. Even though being a follower of Jesus is challenging throughout the year, choosing and following through with a personal Lenten observance should not be too stress-producing for us. Consistency is the key.