Last Updated on 05/03/2018 by Vivien Ayinotu
Lent is an important season in the life of any practising catholic. It’s time we mainly fast, pray and give alms. This period of the year is important to me as it arms me with the spiritual strength I need to survive the entire year.
There are forty days in lent. The Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Most catholics would try to go to church for the distribution of the ashes. Normally, I partake in the ash as the priest do distribute ashes Wednesday and Sunday. This time, I hoped for the same but it didn’t happen as I worked on Wednesday and there was no sign of the ash on Sunday.
Different articles have it that pastors in other churches distribute ashes in public places which is not a good norm. Ashes should be distributed only in the church as its significance be held in high esteem.
The lent period enables one to reflect on Christ’s sorrowful mystery and ask for God’s grace. More so, we are encouraged to forfeit something that we normally like during the Lenten season. It could be the smallest of things like: watching TV, eating chocolates among other things we can think of.
This period requires that we eat less food as it boosts our spiritual life by not trying to satisfy all our needs. I have read severally that fasting and abstinence make the heart grow fonder. Isaiah 58 will give you a typical idea of the kind of fast that pleases God.
Of importance are the works of mercy. They enable us to live as Christ would want us to. There are spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Spiritual works involves: conversion of sinners, instructing the ignorant, counselling of the doubtful, comforting of the sorrowful, bearing wrongs patiently, forgiving injuries, and praying for the dead. Similarly, corporal works of mercy are: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, harboring the stranger, visiting the sick, ministering the prisoners and burying the dead.
I have been behind this year in my Lenten attitude, so I have decided to buckle up now. I have observed the praying bit but not just on top on my other Lenten duties. I know it’s not too late. However, I do not think I am the only culprit. What about you?
More effort to you, if you are on the top of your Lenten duties but for those lagging behind like me, we can do it. Let do it.
I hope by reading this post we are made more aware of numerous ways we can keep ourselves accountable during this lenten season. Come Easter. May the lent season fill you with God’s love and graces.
P.S.
I understand that I might have readers who are not Christians and would therefore found this post irrelevant. Thanks for your time.
I really appreciate Lent’s focus on going deeper in our faith. It is a quiet time with powerful Gospel texts each Sunday. I am glad to be sharing this Lent with you and other Catholics around the world.
I know that feeling Elizabeth. It’s my favourite time of the year as I feel so empowered face the remaining months of the year. I love the giving alms and praying bit. What Lenten act intrigues you the most.
Lenten season is one of my favourite seasons in church calender may Good God give us the grace and strength to participate fully in this lent to the Glory of his name thanks for the wonderful message