It should not be enough to slide through Lent by just observing the fast and abstinence laws. We should all undertake a Lenten program, an inward cleansing and purification, for oneself and the family. The program needs to be planned and organized. Ask the question: What shall I and my family do this year for Lent? Goals and activities should be realistic and reasonable, and parents should make sure that their children know why these practices are being adopted, rather than merely forcing them upon them.
Read Pope John Paul's Message for Lent 2004 for inspiration on what should be the focus during Lent. This year's theme is "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me." (Mt 10:8). After deciding our goals, both individual and family's, we need to arrange our schedules, plan the different events and make adjustments to our life to put these resolutions into practice. Our daily life doesn't stop just because Lent is here. The challenge is to observe the spirit of Lent and perform the works of Lent while living in a secular culture, to remain in the world but not become a product of it.
See the full program here at Catholic Culture (formerly PetersNet)
Archbishop Burke, in his Ash Wednesday homily at the Cathedral, touched on most of the things this article recommends. A "must read" article!
No comments:
Post a Comment