Pillars of Lent

Entering the Desert

Here we are, once again, entering into the penitential season of Lent. This is the time where we are called to empty ourselves, enter the desert with Christ, follow his path to Cavalry and join in his suffering so we can rejoice in the Resurrection. That is a pretty hefty task, I know.  Maybe it is a little overwhelming to consider in this season of your life. Let me ease your mind as we break down Lent into its three pillars: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The pillars will help us to more easily and tangibly join our hearts to Christ’s.

First, let’s take a look at what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says about these pillars:

CCC 1434: The interior penance of the Christian can be expressed in many and various ways. Scripture and the Fathers insist above all on three forms, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others. Alongside the radical purification brought about by Baptism or martyrdom they cite as means of obtaining forgiveness of sins: efforts at reconciliation with one’s neighbor, tears of repentance, concern for the salvation of one’s neighbor, the intercession of the saints, and the practice of charity “which covers a multitude of sins.” 

Prayer

“The most potent and acceptable prayer is the prayer that leaves the best effects. I don’t mean it must immediately fill the soul with desire . . . The best effects [are] those that are followed up by actions—–when the soul not only desires the honor of God, but really strives for it.”      –St. Teresa of Avila

Prayer is the first pillar for a reason: it is the foundation of our relationship with God. This is our communication with Him, this is where we ask great things of Him, praise Him, and share our lives with Him. Israel cried out to God in their slavery in Egypt – deliver us! Now is your time to cry out to God. What great things will you ask of Him? He responded to Israel with the parting of the Red Sea. What great miracles will you ask Him to perform in your heart to deliver you?

Prayer suggestion: Take on a form of prayer that is a little different and a little difficult. For example, you could:

• wake up at 3 am every day to pray
• implement the Examen prayer at morning, noon, and night
• pray the Liturgy of the Hours
• say a daily rosary  

Fasting

“The value of fasting consists not only in avoiding certain foods but in the giving up of sinful practices. The person who limits his fast only to abstaining from meat is the one who especially lowers the value of it. Do you fast? Prove it by doing good works. If you see someone in need, take pity on them. If you see a friend being honored, don’t get jealous of him. For a true fast, you cannot fast only with your mouth. You must fast with your eye, your ear, your feet, your hands, and all parts of your body.”        –St John Chrysostom

Fasting is an immensely powerful spiritual tool that is underutilized. This isn’t just a 40-day diet we are talking about. Fasting aids us in reclaiming our bodies and reuniting them to our spirits.  This isn’t just through fasting from food but also fasting from activities, distractions, time-wasters, and the things we use to fill our vision and block us from focusing on God. Fasting is an act of humility; setting aside the idols of your everyday life and allowing Christ to be the Lord of your life.  

Fasting suggestion: Fast from an activity this year; for example, fast from Netflix, Facebook, or being on your phone after 8 p.m. Know what and who you are fasting for and write it down; fast for someone who is suffering, fast for your priest, or fast for your children’s vocations.  

Almsgiving

“Let us also love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us have charity and humility. Let us give alms because these cleanse our souls from the stains of sin. Men lose all the material things they leave behind them in this world, but they carry with them the reward of their charity and the alms they give. For these they will receive from the Lord the reward and recompense they deserve.”     –St Francis of Assisi

If you haven’t noticed, the theme of Lent is humility. Humble yourself by bringing yourself before God in prayer. Humble yourself by laying aside your comforts and desires through fasting. Now, humble yourself through almsgiving. The CCC speaks of almsgiving as “a witness to fraternal charity” and “a work of justice pleasing to God.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462).  This is where we are called to humility by laying down what we have for love of others and trusting that God will provide where we lack.  

Almsgiving suggestions: Give to those in religious life or studying for the priesthood. 

• Religious sisters need basic necessities like feminine hygiene products, good hair products, and quality kitchen items just like you do. Check out what a local convent needs! 
• The AMS spends a great deal of money educating our future priests. Give to the MCCW Co-Sponsored Seminarian Scholarship Fund to help form our military priests.   

Remember that this is meant to be the desert. We have 40 days of being tried and tested, more ready to follow Christ to the cross. Be intentional this year in how you prepare for Easter as you walk the desert of Lent.