*Drumroll* “Your attention, please! I would like to present a new game show called Lent 2016!” Lent 2016 will involve different challenges which contestants must endure so that they can emerge a transformed person. The three broad categories of challenges are called fasting, almsgiving and prayer. Contestants will participate in different activities within each category and seek to better themselves and grow closer with God. Let’s get ready for Lent!
Now, I know many of you may be thinking this is ridiculous! Lent is a serious time for the preparation of Jesus’ death and resurrection. While this is true, that does not mean Lent has to be a chore. We can make it our own and in doing that, we are more likely to follow through on the promises we made on the cards that Campus Ministry provided.
Lent does have three components: fasting, prayer and almsgiving in which Catholics have to participate. For each, they do not have to be extravagant, difficult activities; rather, we need to focus on changing ourselves during Lent. Fasting does not necessarily mean that we have to fast every single day during Lent, although early Christians did that. Fasting can be something as simple as not having that afternoon snack right after school or not going on one’s phone when their parent is driving them around town. It is meant to give up a selfish habit in order for a greater good. I find prayer to be one of the most important aspects of Lent. It is also one of the easiest to do. If you find it hard to pray every day, make it a point to do that during Lent. If you do pray every day normally, pray once in the morning and once at night throughout the Lenten season. Almsgiving, or service, is one of the most rewarding things a person can do. This can also go hand-in-hand with fasting. For example, if you fast from Dunkin’ Donuts in the morning for Lent, donate the money you would have spent to the local soup kitchen or another charity in need. If you really put effort into Lent, the rewards will be fruitful. After doing these things for 40 days, chances are they have become a habit and you have succeeded in making yourself better.
SHA’s theme for Lent this year is Living the Christ-Life with Mercy, which is especially relevant because Pope Francis has named this liturgical year a Year of Mercy. While working on the traditional parts of Lent, we should try to be more merciful as well. Mercy does not just mean forgiveness; it also encompasses kindness and empathy, both of which are important elements needed for forgiveness. During this Lenten season, we can focus on the Corporal Works of Mercy to supplement the three pillars aforementioned. They are as follows: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the prisoners, bury the dead, and give alms to the poor. By acting upon the Corporal Works of Mercy, we are pursuing fasting and almsgiving. It is fasting because we are fasting from our free time and almsgiving because we may be donating food or money to the places that take care of the people we can help. If one continues to pray for those to whom they have provided aid, prayer is also incorporated.
Now, Lent has been underway for a few weeks, but that does not mean it is too late to make some positive changes. Reflect in prayer on what God would like you to do and ideas and opportunities will surely arise. Are you ready to play “Lent 2016” with me?