Ideas for Lent

The beautiful season of Lent is upon us - Ash Wednesday is February 10th. It is a season of renewal and conversion. Let’s not let it go by without taking advantage of such a rich opportunity. God gives many wonderful graces during this season. He is calling each of us to take the next step with Him on the path of discipleship. Here are some thoughts to get you started. Let’s pray for each other!!
Come up with a plan that is prudent for your state of life and schedule it into your day. 

1. Daily Mass - will change your life. Go as often as you can.
2. Confession - Find a good examination of conscience and prepare to make a thorough confession at some point during Lent. Remember there is nothing God will not forgive. God is greater than our sins.
3. Daily Prayer: 15 minutes minimum a day, 30 minutes is optimal. Suggestions:
   1. Morning Offering
   2. Rosary
   3. Read Sacred Scripture (Start with the Gospels or the Daily Mass Readings)
      1. Sign up for one of the daily meditations below.
   4. Divine Mercy Chaplet
   5. Read a good spiritual book (Interior Freedom, Fr. Jacques Philippe).
   6. Stop by Adoration once a week or more (another life changer)
   7. Pull out your calendar and write in a family member, friend, co-worker, or difficult person on each day of Lent. Offer all your prayers, works, joys, and sufferings that day for them. Powerful practice!
4. Fast: Is there something in your life that steals your time, or is sinful, or focuses you on yourself instead of God and others? If so, eradicate it from your life. Fasting is a spiritual powerhouse.
5. Almsgiving: Find a good charitable organization to support either financially or through volunteer work. Do corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

Daily Meditations: Dynamic Catholic follows the Rediscover Jesus book we offered at Christmas (http://dynamiccatholic.com/bestlentever/); Bishop Barron’s daily reflections (http://www.lentreflections.com/); RedeemedOnline (http://redeemedonline.com/); EWTN has some good resources (http://www.ewtn.com/faith/lent/).

The spiritual work you put into Lent will bear many fruits, because Jesus is a generous giver. Take a step in faith and Trust in God!