From early centuries onward, the Church has suggested that we practice three Lenten disciplines to bring about personal conversion: Prayer, Fasting, & Almsgiving. During this holy season we are exhorted to make them habits so that God will enter deeply into our conscious efforts to become a better person.
First, let’s consider Prayer as a Lenten practice. We lead busy lives but a life without prayer robs us of peace and time spent in God’s presence. Is it possible to set aside at least fifteen minutes a day, in Church or in a quiet place at home, to talk with God? Try this: invoke the Holy Spirit, read a short passage of Scripture several times and choose a word or phrase that stirs your heart and meditate on it. Listen in silence and let God speak. He might be encouraging you to attend Mass several days a week or more often. Also, by receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent Jesus will shower his healing grace and peace upon you.
Secondly, Fasting from comfort food and alcoholic beverages is another self-imposed discipline. Fasting from gossip and judgmental thoughts would be an excellent fasting practice. On a positive note, Scripture tells us that fasting should be accompanied by a loving and forgiving attitude toward others. To fast in a way that is genuinely pleasing to God, we ask the Lord to forgive those who have hurt us and not to harbor any resentment toward them.
Thirdly, Almsgiving as commonly understood, means contributing some of our monetary resources to assist those in need. Jesus reminds us, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.”
St. David Parish offers an opportunity to do all three disciplines, Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving, on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM in Fr. Curran Hall from February 25 to March 25 by attending the “Poor Man’s Supper” followed by praying the Stations of the Cross. Those attending will partake in a simple meal of soup, bread and water, be encouraged to make a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society that assists the poor in our area, and meditate on Christ’s Passion by praying the Stations of the Cross.
Again, through prayer, fasting (accompanied by forgiving others and not bearing grudges) and through monetary donations to help the poor, may we be transformed. Then, our souls will overflow with God’s peace and joy when we celebrate the glorious Resurrection of Jesus on Easter!
May God bless you!
Sister Kathleen