First Sunday of Lent Reflection

Each year, we are invited to journey with Jesus through the desert. This journey calls us to a conversion of heart. These 40 days lead us to resist temptation and bring us to celebrate our resurrection into new life. Through prayer and fasting, our conscience opens us to give alms as we help others along the way.

I would like to think that Lent gives us an opportunity to do our “Spiritual Spring Cleaning.” As we remove the things that clutter our spiritual life, we can develop new hope and a clearer vision of our relationship with God and others. 

Fasting is a part of our Lenten spiritual journey. Fasting is not just about food. It also includes fasting from the words and attitudes that can cause hurt. Some people find this period an opportunity to make promises that could also lead to physical changes. Some people start exercise routines or begin diets. Others choose to remove some of the conveniences of their daily lifestyle and begin carpooling, removing themselves from social media or create a common family project, etc.

Prayer is a regular aspect of the Christian journey. During Lent, we make a more intentional effort to intensify prayer. Some choose to attend daily mass during this period, participate in the Stations of the Cross and attend special days of reflection and confessions.

Lent calls us to deepen our relationship with God and others. Through rituals and daily practices, we find the strength to resist temptation and put all our hope in God’s power to change us into the people we should be.