Last Wednesday was the official kick-off to Lent. This means for the next 40 days, most Catholics will institute some sort of limitation on the luxuries in their lives – be it fasting, a break from social media, giving up diet soda, etc. The idea of “giving up” something for Lent is based on Luke 9:23: “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’”
Essentially, it’s about turning our lives over to Jesus and turning away from sin. It’s about connecting with His suffering, as it symbolizes the 40 days he spent in the desert fasting and praying.
What would happen, though, if there were to be a mind shift this year and we instead committed ourselves to doing something during Lent? This isn’t to say you shouldn’t participate in the traditional Lenten promise to reject sin or connect with Jesus. Nor should you make some grandiose proposal (unless you want to - it’s only 40 days, after all). This should be something simple and special that also connects us with Jesus.
This year, as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, let us use this time, in His name, to make a positive impact. Let us give of our time to make a difference in the world.
What You Can Do
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen
- Do a collection for those in need
- Bring clothing to the homeless
- Write a letter to someone who has positively impacted your life
- Call that relative you haven't spoken to in a while
- Visit veterans at the hospital
Whatever it is you do during this time, make sure it is meaningful to you and those around you. Be that change you want to see in the world and do something.
