When I was young, the big question this time of year was, “What are you giving up for Lent?” Candy was the most common culprit. As I grew older, doing good deeds became an alternative to sacrificing sweets.
We can challenge ourselves and our children to a more meaningful experience of Lent. Let’s dig deeper than our sugar addictions and sacrifice some of our “me” time to God.
“Each of us has a unique set of sins, bad habits, 'rocks and thorns' that can be eliminated only with God’s grace and our diligence and disciple,” says Tom Peterson in his book
Catholics Come Home. “We become what we surround ourselves with – the books we read, the friends we keep, the TV shows we watch and the amount of time we devote to God and the sacramental life. As you develop patterns of good spiritual behavior, you will find it easier to resist temptations and live a healthier life as well.”
Those of us with families may feel like we are already stretched too thin and don’t have enough time for ourselves. However, how we chose to refuel when we do have some time may be what’s draining us. Rather than watch that crime drama that leaves you uneasy when you try to sleep, read a book such as the Bible that helps you grow in faith. Rather than get agitated by comments made on Facebook and lash back with your own posts, say the Rosary for someone who needs your prayers.
In Matthew 14:22-33, Peter and some other apostles are fishing one night when they see Jesus walking toward them on the water.
28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.
30 But when he noticed the strong wind,
[b] he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
“When we take our eyes off Jesus, we always sink,” says Peterson. “God reminds us to make choices that will nourish our souls, such as frequent attendance at Mass, frequent reception of the sacraments, spending more time in prayer and reading the Bible, and being more generous in serving others who are in need. Like taking daily doses of vitamins and eating a healthy diet, all these religious practices add up, feeding our souls, helping us to stay close to Christ, and enabling us to grow in holiness.”
Parents as the primary educators of the faith to your children, I encourage you to observe the practice of Lent as a family. Help each child give up something other than candy. Check in with and encourage one another.
If you don’t already attend mass weekly, Lent is a great time to start. Take the first step by watching the video clip below.
And don’t forget to pray for God’s grace during Lent to help you stick to whatever commitment you’ve made to change your life!