Beginning Your Lenten Journey

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent!  While today is not a Holy Day of Obligation, many folks come to church today to receive their ashes – to mark the beginning of their Lenten Journey.

I like to look at Lent as a “journey.”  Lent is a time that we can be transformed.  I personally find it as an exciting time – it’s motivation to grow and be changed.

I’m hearing many of my classmates talk about on campus what they’re “giving up for Lent.”  I’ve heard people giving up (fasting) soda, dessert, fried food, pizza, and even alcohol.  These are material things.  Some say that the hope with Lent is that at the end of the season, we have made our Lenten sacrifice a normal part of our life.  For example, a rosary a day – maybe it becomes part of our daily (or every other day’s) routine.  Perhaps we can add a little extra prayer during Lent – maybe coming to Daily Mass?  I’ve found Daily Mass at Christ the King to be so welcoming and uplifting – going one or two days a week really can brighten one’s week.

Another option is to focus on almsgiving on your Lenten Journey.  Perhaps volunteering at our parish’s food pantry is an option or maybe participating in Operation Rice Bowl.  Another thought is committing to an act of charity everyday, getting involved in a parish ministry, or perhaps going through your closet and getting rid of unwanted material possessions every day or every week (perhaps donate them to our Thrift Shop)?

Lent is a time for growth.  It’s a time to be transformed, and it’s a time to get closer to God.  Lives can change, faith can increase, and hearts can be mended during Lent.  Why not make it this Lent, this year, right now.  Invite a friend or a family member (maybe someone who hasn’t been to church in a while?) to join you on this journey as well.

I leave you with this:

“Lent is a time for returning to God.  It’s a time to confess how we keep looking for joy, peace, and satisfaction in the many people and things surrounding us, without really finding what we desire.  Lent is a time of refocusing – reentering the place of truth – of reclaiming our true identity of beloved sons and daughters of God,” writes the late Father Henri Nouwen.

May all of you have a blessed Lenten Season.  Let us pray for each other as a Parish Family of Christ the King!

Chris Hughes