Here are some options:
1. Fast - Catholics are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, but traditionally, Catholics fasted every day of Lent (except Sundays). Why should we fast? God has created all things good, but fasting helps us withdraw from the things of this world and depend wholly on Him. And then, when the fast is over, we feast! This cycle of fasts and feasts helps to ensure that we do not make false gods out of created things. Fasting also requires us to decide: Am I willing to set aside all and follow Christ? Or, are we like the rich young ruler (depicted below), whose happiness was rooted in the things of this world?
If we're not yet ready (or able) to fast for all of Lent, we can also engage in mini-fasts from certain pleasures: we can give up alcohol, or coffee, or only drink water; or we can give up all desserts, or snacks, or abstain from meat.
Below: Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler by Heinrich Hoffman
In addition to fasting or giving up something pleasurable, we can can also add a work of mercy or devotional practice. The following are some options for these Lenten practices:
2. Pray the Rosary every day - Over and over the Church encourages us to pray the Rosary. Why? Because the regular meditation on the life of Jesus and Mary will change us: we will begin acquiring the virtues of Jesus and Mary; we will be transformed. Many of us find the Rosary difficult. It can be. But, like most things in life, it requires discipline and practice. Lent is a great opportunity to develop the habit of praying the Rosary every day. Find a certain time when you can pray 5 decades, or find several times throughout the day to pray 1 or 2 decades. A time that works for many families is to set aside the time after dinner for the family Rosary. I also recommend using images of the mysteries of the Rosary to aid you in your meditations; without images, you can easily find your mind wandering or forget which mysteries you are praying. Kids will especially enjoy the visual reminder. It was with these items in mind that I created the Sacred Art Series' Rosary Flip Book. I think it will help.
3. Read the Gospels every day - A daily reading from the Gospels or other section of Scripture is an excellent practice whether within Lent or without. But as with praying the Rosary, Lent can be a great time to start. Try reading the Gospel from today's Mass. See www.universalis.com. Or read a story from the Sacred Art Series' The Holy Gospels of St. Luke and St. John (shown below) or from a study bible--I recommend this one from Dr. Scott Hahn. Or begin reading the daily readings of the Office of Readings found in the Liturgy of the Hours. See www.universalis.com. The first reading from the Office of Readings generally comes from Scripture; the second reading generally comes from one of the Church fathers, such as St. Augustine. There is much wisdom here, and the Church has already edited this great collection for us!
4. Pray the Stations of the Cross - Many churches have the Stations of the Cross on Fridays during Lent. This is an excellent Catholic devotion. Support your parish Stations by bringing your family and encouraging your friends to bring theirs.
5. Eucharistic Adoration - Praying before the Blessed Sacrament--especially when exposed for adoration--is a means of extreme grace. If you stay in the sun all day, you will get a tan. The same is true with the Eucharist. If we let the light of Christ in the Eucharist shine upon us, we will soon begin reflecting that light to others. Spending 30 minutes with the Blessed Sacrament each morning is is a wonderful practice. It will change your day--and your life.
6. Daily Mass - The Mass is the source and summit of the faith: it is where we go to receive the very body of Christ in Communion; it is the re-presentation of Christ's sacrificial death on Calvary; and it is the heavenly wedding supper of the Lamb that is our true end. If you never get to daily Mass, this Lent, try going once a week; if you already attend from time to time, try going every day.
There are obviously many other options, including the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, giving alms, and, of course, getting to Confession. But this post is already getting too long, so I'll go no farther.
Have a blessed Lent!
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