Lent, Part 3

(Plain Text Version)

(This article was originally published in March, 2021.)

The three common practices for Lent, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, are all expressions of humility.  When we are humble, we know our proper place in the world.  We are still aware that there are good things about us, but we give up the idea that the world “revolves around us.” 

We can become more humble in many ways.  Fasting and almsgiving are two of them.  Christian fasting is giving up food out of sorrow for our own sins and the sins of others.  When we admit to our wrongdoing, we become humble.  Almsgiving is the giving of our goods to those in need.  When we give alms, we make a needy person more important than ourselves.

Fasting

On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics from ages 18 to 59 are required to fast from solid food.  One main meal and two small meals may be taken.  Eating between meals is not allowed.  If health or the ability to work would be impaired, this requirement does not apply.

On Ash Wednesday and all of the Fridays of Lent, Catholics of age 14 years or older are required to abstain from meat.

Our fasting ought to go beyond these minimum requirements.  We need to make a plan and stick to it.  We should not be too easy on ourselves, but not too severe.  Many people give up favorite foods or other enjoyable things for the entire Lenten season.  Some people give up social media for Lent. 

Fasting goes with prayer.  When our cravings flare up, they can be a reminder to ask God to make us more pleasing to Him.

Almsgiving

The obvious reason to give alms is that we have some luxuries, and there are others who aren’t getting by.  In the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16: 19-31), we find that giving is a serious obligation.  It must be a regular part of our life.

During Lent, we should dig deeper and do more to help those in need.  It helps them and it helps us.  It helps us to think about how generous God has been to us.

From The Sermon on the Mount

But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.  And your Father who sees in secret will reward you (Matthew 6: 16-18).

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.  And your Father who sees in secret will reward you (Matthew 6: 3-4).

It is a joy to let God change our hearts during Lent!