Preparing for Lent with a Little Help from Pope Francis

by Linda Olsen

Preparing for Lent with a Little Help from Pope Francis

With Ash Wednesday just around the corner, I am eager to plan how I will honor Christ during the 40 days of Lent. I know God’s not asking me to go crazy with my efforts, but I always feel that this season is an opportunity to walk with Jesus and suffer a bit, since he did so for me.
I recently read excerpts from a speech by Pope Francis which offered tips on how we should embrace Lent. I’m using his top 10 recommendations as a reference for my Lenten goals this year:

Get rid of lazy habits - Lent can be a turning point for change and conversion. I will reflect on how I spend my free time and choose wisely.
Do something that causes suffering – Lent is a time for self-denial. What can I do to enrich myself and enrich others with my poverty? Real poverty should hurt.
Don’t remain indifferent – I will strive to be compassionate to others by doing something caring each day.
“Make our hearts like yours!” - Through prayer, we should ask God to make our heart like His, so that we are merciful, attentive, and generous.
Take part in the sacraments – Whenever we hear the Word of God and receive the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we become more like Christ. I will add an extra Mass to my Lenten practice for the added Graces bestowed by the Body of Christ.
Pray – We are called to “dive into the sea of prayers, which is the sea of God’s boundless love.” Lent is a time of prayer, of more intense prayers, and of prayers on behalf of others.
Fasting – Pope Francis suggests that fasting should question our security and also lead to some benefit for others. We should cultivate the style of the Good Samaritan who helps his brother in need.
Charity – Almsgiving helps us to experience giving generously, leading to freedom from possessing things and from fear of losing what we have.
Help the Poor - “Among the poor and marginalized, we see the face of Christ. By loving and helping the poor, we love and serve Christ.”
Evangelize – “The Lord wants us to be joyful heralds of His message of hope and compassion. It is exciting to share the beauty of spreading the good news, spread the treasure entrusted to us, comfort the afflicted and give hope to our brothers and sisters who are lost in darkness.”

These suggestions by Pope Francis can lead us on a path towards purification of body and soul. I shall use this guide in my quest to become more Christ-like as I walk with Jesus on His journey to Calvary.

Linda Olsen, St. Mary receptionist and St. Martha parishioner