Lent will be here before you know it! It feels like we just finished Advent. I’ve been wondering what I can do to grow as a catechist but even more importantly as a disciple of Jesus this Lent. I recently heard it said that we don’t have a crises of priesthood today, but a crises of discipleship. The more people that are growing to as faith-filled disciples of Christ the more holy our world will be. The world longs for holy witnesses.
Since Lent is around the corner it’s worth taking some time to consider how you might grow in your relationship with God this year. Lent is often seen as a time to “give up” something, but too often it doesn’t make a lasting impact beyond the 40 days of Lent that we had hoped for. It is something like saying, I’m going to diet for 40 days and then gain all the weight back after those 40 days. How can this year be different?
Here are a few things to consider as we approach Lent:
1) Nothing is more important to the happiness we long for than growth in our spiritual lives. What can you do during Lent this year to grow in your spiritual life? Some ideas are to pray 15 minutes a day, go to Mass one more day other than Sunday, keep the radio off in the car and pray instead, be positive toward everyone instead of complain, etc.
2) Focus on a virtue each week (consider the cardinal (moral) virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, Justice, and Prudence or a theological virtue: Faith, Hope and Love. Growth in virtue is key to growing in our prayer life and relationship with Christ.
3) Less is more… take the attitude of eating less, watching less TV, being on the internet less often. In their place help out more at home, be more attentive to the needs of others, spend more time with family and friends and/or pray more.
These are just a few preliminary considerations as we prepare for the upcoming Lenten Season. Being an amazing catechist depends on our own personal spiritual growth. It’s not easy in our busy world and it can be very challenging, but I promise it’s worth it! May Christ be with each of you!!!!
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I really enjoyed your article. I like the idea of focusing on a virtue each week. I think I will try adding this to my Lenten regime. Many blessings to you on your Lenten Journey! God is with us! 🙂
With Hope in Christ,
Jennifer Grace
Definitely some great things to consider and ponder as we enter the holy season of Lent! Thank you for sharing! May God bless your Lenten season! 🙂
The fruit of a well disciplined Lent can be an astonishing personal transformation which St. Athanasius, Doctor of the Church, describes as “becoming by grace what God is by nature.”
All good suggestions. Thank you!