Brothers and Sisters,
As we prepare for the upcoming Lenten season, may we all be mindful of our heart condition. I’m not speaking of our cardio-vascular health, but our spiritual well-being and the importance of our relationship with God.
As we begin this season of repentance and reflection, let us contemplate what this time means and how the three pillars of Lent can lead us to a closer relationship with God. The three pillars being prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Prayer is our conversation with God. It is essential for fasting and almsgiving, because prayer gives us the strength to fast. Pope Francis said, “Lent is a privileged time for prayer.” In prayer, we draw closer in relationship with God. Relationship with God makes us grateful for the blessings we have received. Prayer is the cornerstone of our Lenten journey and is vital to all of our actions in life.
Fasting and abstinence are old traditions in Christian history. Found in the Scriptures, they offer us a way of growing closer to God. In addition to the traditional forms of fasting from food, maybe try fasting from social media, technology, or excessive screen time. Fasting reminds us of our hunger for God.
Almsgiving or giving of our time and treasure is a response to God. One that we can come to through prayer and fasting. It is a way to live out our gratitude for all that God has given us, reflecting the realization that we are the Body of Christ, responsible for each other. Justice, mercy, and charity are integral elements of our baptism that call us to be disciples of Jesus.
Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving lead us to the heart of what Lent is about—a deeper conversion and love for Jesus Christ.
God Bless,
Deacon Howard
