What are you giving up for Lent? It’s a common question you’ll hear this time of year throughout the Christian and Catholic community. During Lent, you may be looking for ways to reset your relationship with God. Sacrificing a pleasure or luxury is just one way that Christians or Catholics intentionally deepen their spirituality but there are many other ways to reset your relationship with God. Similar to how people make New Year’s resolutions in January to start a new year in the right way, we observe Lent to reset our relationship with God.

Lent serves as a powerful way to deepen our relationship with God in many significant ways. Having a strong relationship with God can have a profound impact on your life. As Pope Francis said, “To see God means having a personal relationship with Him. This requires looking deep within our hearts and making space for Him.” Lent is the perfect time to deepen this connection.

Lent is a period of reflection, repentance, and spiritual preparation for the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. The significance of Lent harkens back to the biblical account of Jesus spending 40 days fasting in the desert. During Lent, believers follow the example of Jesus Christ through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, or acts of charity. The religious season of Lent starts Ash Wednesday marking the beginning of Lent which then lasts about six weeks or forty days until Easter Sunday. 

The tradition of receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday holds deep symbolism within the Christian faith, particularly in the Catholic Church. During the Ash Wednesday service, a priest or minister applies ashes in the form of a cross on the foreheads of worshipers, accompanied by the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” These words serve as a poignant reminder of human mortality and the universal call to repentance and faith.

The application of ashes serves as a visible symbol of one’s commitment to self-examination, repentance, and spiritual renewal throughout Lent. By bearing the ashes, individuals publicly declare their dependence on God, their readiness to seek forgiveness for past transgressions, and their aspiration to live in accordance with their faith.

Fasting is a tradition during Lent that we observe on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays during Lent. Through fasting, we foster self-control and temperance while reflecting on our sins. By abstaining from certain foods or pleasures, we identify with Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Fasting is also a way we cleanse their minds, bodies, and souls from worldly distractions. By embracing the Lenten fast, we prepare our hearts to fully embrace the joy and significance of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday, emerging stronger, more pure, and spiritually anew.

• Intentional Reflection: Lent encourages us to pause and reflect on our spiritual journey and examine our lives. Reflecting helps us identify areas where we strayed from God’s path. This helps us to consider how we can realign our priorities with His will.
• Fasting and Sacrifice: Through fasting, we give up certain comforts or indulgences, offering them as sacrifices to God. This act of self-denial fosters discipline, humility, and a heightened awareness of our dependence on God’s grace.
• Increased Prayer: Lent invites us to intensify our prayer life, carving out dedicated time for communion with God. Whether through traditional prayers, meditation, or contemplative practices, regular prayer deepens our connection with the Divine and cultivates spiritual intimacy.
• Acts of Service and Charity: Engaging in acts of service and charity during Lent extends Christ’s love to others. It also strengthens our bond with God. By serving those in need, we emulate Jesus’ example of compassion and selflessness. We foster empathy and solidarity with our fellow human beings.
• Sacramental Reconciliation: The sacrament of reconciliation, or confession, offers a profound opportunity for spiritual renewal during Lent. Through confession, we acknowledge our sins and seek forgiveness. We receive God’s mercy, experiencing reconciliation and healing in our relationship with Him.
• Embracing Spiritual Disciplines: Lent encourages us to embrace spiritual disciplines such as almsgiving, Scripture reading, and attending religious services. These practices nurture spiritual growth, deepen our understanding of God’s Word, and foster a sense of community.
• Renewed Commitment to Holiness: Lent invites us to recommit ourselves to a life of holiness and discipleship. By consciously striving to live in accordance with God’s commandments and teachings, we grow closer to Him. We can become more fully the person He created us to be.

By embracing practices such as prayer, fasting, and acts of charity, you can reset your relationship with God. Enjoy the experience of profound transformation in various areas of your life. As you embark on this journey of faith, may you be filled with grace, peace, and abundant blessings.

At The Leo House, we welcome everyone to find solace and renewal during the Lenten season. Whether you seek a quiet retreat for prayer and reflection or a supportive community for worship, we’re here to accompany you on your spiritual journey.

• Observing Lent and Preparing for Easter
• Remembering Jesus During Lent
• 5 Ways to Strengthen your Relationship with God During Lent