Defining your “Lenten fast.”
Each year, we as Catholics take time to decide what we’re “giving up” for Lent, and I even find myself guilty of asking my friends and family the question, “So what are you giving up this year?”
But sometimes, “fasting” or “giving something up” is not always the answer. First, many people—for various medical reasons—cannot physically fast or give something up during Lent. For financial reasons, tithing or monetary sacrifices may also not be an option for some. Even if neither of these instances are the case for you, now that we’re a couple weeks into Lent, you might be looking at yourself and thinking, “I’m not doing well at this Lent thing.” I’ve been there, too (it is usually during the years that I vow to clean up my … sometimes-questionable language choices). And I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to go back to the drawing board and choose something new that doesn’t require an unrealistic immediate re-wiring of your brain and habits and will instead have a lasting impact on your spiritual life and your relationship with God. We should certainly always work to end our bad habits, but often 40 days is not enough time to make a permanent change.
So maybe add something to your life this year! Vow to read the Gospels, pray more or maybe learn some new prayers. Go to daily Mass, attend Adoration or set a schedule for yourself to receive more frequent Reconciliation. Or, look into going on a spiritual retreat or finding a spiritual director.
In this issue of The Catholic Echo, Father Chris Luoni explains the basics of spiritual direction in a column on page 28. We also offer other Lenten resources, including a guide for praying Stations of the Cross on page 13 and an answer to the question, “Why is Lent 40 days?” on page 33. Father Will Wainio, diocesan co-director of the Office of Church Vocations, also provides a reflection on being called to your vocation on page 31. And there’s much more besides.
God bless you and yours throughout this holy season of Lent.
Until next time,
Katie Wagner
