"What are you giving up for Lent?"
That is the question most Catholic people ask one another in the week or so before Ash Wednesday.
But I would challenge us to ask a different question: "What are you doing this Lent to get ready for Easter?" Just as Advent is a season of preparation for the celebration of the Incarnation at Christmas, Lent is a season of preparation for the celebration of Jesus' Resurrection at Easter.
The Church promotes three ways for preparing for Easter: fasting, almsgiving, and prayer.
Many of us understand the concept of fasting. We give up something. We give up things as an offering of sacrifice to God in return for the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. When we give up something we need to examine our hearts to determine how our sacrifice is for the glory of God. How will our sacrifice lead us to a deeper understanding of Jesus' Resurrection?
When we hear the word "almsgiving," most people think of giving money to those in need. The Church even provides us with an entity to give to: Catholic Relief Services' Operation Rice Bowl. ORB is a wonderful program that not only encourages Catholics to give of their monetary resources to a world-renowned organization that helps people in need, but it also provides many resources for education and prayer, joining us in solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the globe. For ORB information and resources, go to www.orb.crs.org.
But many don't have the financial resources to give. Children typically don't have jobs, and even if they earn an allowance, their primary giving comes from sharing themselves. We need to recognize the sharing of our talents and abilities when it comes to almsgiving, too. When we help others, we share the love and compassion of our Resurrected Lord.
Prayer is another way we prepare for Easter. Increasing our time with God has great advantages, not only spiritually, but also in our every day living. When we are in touch with God, we feel more joy and peace. (See the Lord's Day Faith Chat for February 14, 2010 - below.) Our connection with God empowers us to be more connected, loving and caring, with our families, friends, co-workers, and all whom we meet.
So this Lent, don't ask, "What are you giving up?" Ask instead, "How are you preparing for the celebration of Jesus' Resurrection?"
