These 3 Essential Pillars Help Us Discover The Purpose Of Lent by Becky Roach | CatholicLink
It’s easy to get caught up in the goals that we have set for ourselves during Lent and to become fixated on the results that we desire, but we must remember that if we have not grown deeper in love with the Lord, our accomplishments are in vain. Read more: https://catholic-link.org/purpose-of-lent-... . WHAT ARE THE 3 PILLARS OF LENT?
Prayer is extremely important. Prayer bonds us to God. When we pray we let God know we believe in Him. When we pray we learn to feel God’s love in our hearts. The Catechism of the Catholic Church has very much to say about prayer. I’m including these tw0 citing’s that I find especially significant:
CCC 2562: Whether prayer is expressed in words or gestures it is the whole person who prays. But naming the source of prayer Scriptures sometimes speaks of the soul or the spirit but most often from the heart (more than a 1000 times). According to Scripture it is the heart that prays. If our heart is far from God the words of prayer are in vain.
CCC 2564: Christian prayer is a covenant relationship between God and man in Christ. It is the action of God and man springing forth from both the Holy Spirit and ourselves, wholly directed to the Father, in union with the human will of the Son of God made man. Read more: https://www.catholic365.com/article/6239/t...
Guide to Confession
This Lent, plan to go to Confession to receive the grace of forgiveness and begin anew in your relationship with God.
In "The Light is On" from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington DC, the following are several resources that are helpful in understanding why we, as Catholics, need to take advantage of this sacrament as often as possible, and also how we can prepare ourselves to make a good confession.
Why should I go? Jesus deeply desires a personal, daily relationship with each one of us, to give us the love of the Father, that we may live in His peace and grace forever. But all of the little (and not-so-little) ways we turn from Him chip away at the relationship we have with the Lord. Jesus wants to mend our relationship with Him, but He needs us to say ‘yes.’ Read more...
Before Confession
- Pray and Prepare -
Confession can seem intimidating for a lot of people, but with some simple preparation, it can be a healing encounter with Christ that will leave you filled with peace. Read more: https://thelightison.org/guide-to-confessi...
Catholic Prayers for Lent
From the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
Consider the Lectio Divina series of prayers for Lent:
Lectio Divina is a form of meditation which dates back to early monastic communities. It involves focused reading of Scripture (lectio), meditation on the Word of God (meditatio), contemplation of the Word and its meaning in one's life (contemplatio) and prayer (oratio). Lectio Divina may be shared in group settings or used by individuals.
Below you will find resources to help guide you through Lectio Divina for the five weeks of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday and concluding with Palm Sunday.
10 Ways To Make A Pilgrimage This Lent Without Leaving Home by Kristen Van Uden | CatholicLink
Lent has traditionally been a time of pilgrimage, particularly to the Holy Land as we prepare to commemorate Our Lord’s Passion.
3 Main Purposes Of A Pilgrimage A pilgrimage traditionally served three main purposes:
Penance & Purgation – Pilgrimages are undertaken to make reparation for the pilgrim’s sins and the sins of the world. Indulgences, both plenary and partial, are available to pilgrims. Read more: https://catholic-link.org/pilgrimage-lent-...
2) Fasting.
Fasting is Not a Diet
ROMAN CATHOLIC SPIRITUAL DIRECTION | From the Catholic Exchange
What is the difference between a religious fast and a diet? Dieting is about your body and health. Fasting is about your soul, God, and answers to prayer. Both are good; one is infinitely superior.
With a diet, incentives are many. Fitting into a smaller size is the Holy Grail of fashion and appearance. Feeling and looking good is the reward that gets us through a rumbling stomach. And then there are the compliments: You look great!
With fasting, it’s not about looking good or getting compliments. Instead, fasting has the power to defeat evil, strengthen our prayers and draw us closer to God. Read more: https://catholicexchange.com/fasting-not-d...
QUIZ: What Should You Give Up For Lent?
by Becky Roach | CatholicLink
This is a fun quiz to help you start thinking about and planning for Lent. Ready to discover what Lent resource is best for you to use to grow spiritually? Click link to begin quiz.
3) Almsgiving.
From the USCCB Website, the following information is given about almsgiving:
"During Lent, we are asked to focus more intently on 'almsgiving,' which means donating money or goods to the poor and performing other acts of charity. As one of the three pillars of Lenten practice, almsgiving is 'a witness to fraternal charity' and 'a work of justice pleasing to God.' " (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462).
From CatholicNewsService, this video is an exploration of almsgiving and how it relates to Catholics.
How to Add Almsgiving to Your Lent This Year By Jessica Mannen Kimmett | Grotto
"Above all, though, giving away money or possessions is an act of love. Even though it might also help the giver, it’s really about choosing to help someone else above ourselves. It’s a way of embodying our desire for others’ good. It’s about making a sacrifice that echoes the self-giving love of God. And it’s about returning that love; all our acts of love for others are ultimately acts of love for God." Read more...
What Will Happen When You Die?
Father Cedric experienced two near death experiences when he was 20. In vivid detail he shares what we can expect when we die. The letter to the Hebrews (9:27) tells us we die once, then comes the Judgment. Bear fruit and be ready.
"Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more."
QUIZ: What Should You Give Up For Lent? by Becky Roach | CatholicLink
From the USCCB Website, the following information is given about almsgiving:
"During Lent, we are asked to focus more intently on 'almsgiving,' which means donating money or goods to the poor and performing other acts of charity. As one of the three pillars of Lenten practice, almsgiving is 'a witness to fraternal charity' and 'a work of justice pleasing to God.' " (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlP8Gm7vNs...
How to Add Almsgiving to Your Lent This Year By Jessica Mannen Kimmett | Grotto
"Above all, though, giving away money or possessions is an act of love. Even though it might also help the giver, it’s really about choosing to help someone else above ourselves. It’s a way of embodying our desire for others’ good. It’s about making a sacrifice that echoes the self-giving love of God. And it’s about returning that love; all our acts of love for others are ultimately acts of love for God." : https://grottonetwork.com/make-an-impact/v...
