We are a little late with starting our observance of Lent this year. Lent started on February 18th, which was only a day after we returned from our month long trip to Thailand. Being waylaid by the affects of jet lag we are only beginning to rediscover the rhythm of being at home. Despite a late start to Lent we still intend to enter into this time of reflection and renewal. As a family we try to mindfully incorporate fasting, praying and alms-giving as part of our way to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter.
In this year’s Lenten message Pope Francis urges everyone to stand up to the globalization of indifference. He is challenging us to open our hearts to Divine love so that we can in turn “receive a heart which is firm and merciful, attentive and generous”. He claims that this is the heart that will combat indifference in our neighborhood, community and world. (Message of Pope Francis for Lent 2015). As Lent continues I am challenging myself to face the areas of indifference in my own life.
Fasting
During Lent we we eat simple meals and avoid indulging in luxurious desserts (except for birthdays). This year I am challenging myself to fast from indifference. I am unsure how fasting from indifference will translate into the day to day workings of my life but I think it means being more aware and compassionate to the suffering of those around me and to my own self as well.
Praying
This year we will be doing the Jesus Tree together as a family. I am also hoping to practice a little bit of meditative prayer each day.
Almsgiving
Throughout Lent we make an effort to donate to various organizations that work towards alleviating hunger and poverty in Canada and abroad. There are so may different organizations that do this but a few that we have donated to in the past include CNEWA and Development and Peace.
2 comments
Your message really touched my heart, and admire what you are doing during Lent to prepare yourselves as a family to the great Feast of Easter I myself will try to be more sensitive to the needs of others. God bless. Alice
So far I am having a really difficult time following my personal intentions for Lent (limit my budget to necessities and emergencies, no spontaneous spending). I am wondering why, and trying to pin point why this is so hard for me. Thank you for this inspiring post, a few years ago your Lent intentions brought me to reduce my water wasting habits and I have stuck to it! Wonderful and inspiring words from Pope Francis!