As the Church enters into the season of Lent, we are invited to embrace a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. This sacred season is a call to journey deeper into our relationship with Christ by setting aside distractions to make space for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. But before Ash Wednesday arrives, how can we prepare our hearts to fully enter into the spirit of Lent?
Rather than viewing Lent as simply a time to give up something, consider what God may be calling you toward. Is there a habit that is distracting you from prayer? Is there a part of your spiritual life that needs attention? I invite you to spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide you in setting meaningful intentions for this Lenten season.
Lent is an opportunity to grow in intimacy with God through prayer. If you don’t already have a daily prayer practice, consider incorporating Scripture reading, Eucharistic Adoration, or the Liturgy of the Hours into your routine. If you already have a prayer practice, think about how you can deepen it—perhaps by setting aside extra time for silence or meditating on the Passion of Christ.
Fasting is not just about giving up chocolate or social media; it’s about detaching from worldly distractions to make room for God. Choose a fast that challenges you but also draws you closer to Christ. Whether it’s limiting screen time, fasting from unnecessary spending, or abstaining from negative self-talk, let your fast be an offering that refines your heart.
Lent is also a season of giving—of ourselves, our resources, and our time. Consider ways you can be generous in your daily life. Maybe it’s volunteering at a local shelter, donating to a cause close to your heart, or simply being more intentional about acts of kindness. Giving of ourselves reflects Christ’s own sacrifice for us.
I invite you to approach Lent with openness to how God wants to transform you. Some Lenten seasons may bring unexpected challenges, but they also bring unexpected graces. Trust that God will work in your heart through your sacrifices, prayers, and acts of love.
