As a child, I remember focusing on what was right to “give up”. With a son in 2nd grade, preparing for his First Eucharist, I’m really loving how they’re enriching the discussion of Lent now to include all three elements.
Prayer. The idea of Eucharistic Adoration seems like a throwback to me, something from the conservative wing of the Church, something that’s just sooooo NOT me. So I think I need to do this.
Fasting. No fish on Fridays and the “Catholic fasts” on Ash Wednesday and other days – obvious. So where do I fast? Do I fast from the pleasure I take in success at work? Do I strive to consume resources commensurate with my existence as one mere human on this planet, rather than as one citizen of the United States, accustomed to far more than is truly my share of the planet’s bounty?
Almsgiving. My mortgage payments begin during Lent. I’m very afraid of what cash flow is going to look like for awhile. I already sense myself holding back, trying to be miserly with my gifts. That’s not the grace that was given me before, and it’s not how to live my life now. So maybe this Lent will be about learning to live within my means with a mortgage – without slighting my donations at all.
March 1. Yep. I’m looking forward to it.
