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Embracing Opportunities to Grow in Faith This Lent
Each year seems to go by faster and faster. Before we know it, Lent is over and Easter has arrived. We don’t want this time to sneak up on us this year — after all, as Pope Francis has pointed out, Lent is an important time for renewal in our faith. In his message for Lent 2018, the Holy Father told us, “In our preparation for Easter, God, in His providence, offers us each year the season of Lent as a sacramental sign of our conversion. Lent summons us, and enables us to come back to the Lord wholeheartedly and in every aspect of our life.”
With the COVID-19 precautions in place, Lent activities could look different this year and may have to be adjusted throughout, says Fr. O’Brien. But this Lent, especially, can be a time of conversion, personal prayer, and penance.
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Lent will kick off with the Parish Mission at 7 p.m. on Feb. 14, and continuing on Feb. 15 and 16. We are blessed to be led by Fr. John Lanzrath of the Diocese of Wichita. He will discuss “Encountering the Lord in the Season of Lent.”
Ash Wednesday, which falls this year on Feb. 17, is Fr. O’Brien’s favorite part of Lent.
“It gets Lent off to a great start with the receiving of ashes and the stark reality that we are sinners in need of a savior,” he says.
One common Lenten practice is to give something up, whether that be candy, coffee, or buying lunch. Fr. O’Brien says this is a way to help us realize that all we need is God.
The church also directs Catholics to practice prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
“We are too attached to the things of this world and not dependent enough on the God who loves us,” Fr. O’Brien says.
There will also be ample opportunities for Reconciliation throughout the Lenten season. Fr. O’Brien is thankful Mass can continue this Lent since churches were closed throughout much of Lent 2020. He is also thankful so many people have returned to Mass.
“Lent 2020 was rough,” he says. “Celebrating the last half of Lent, Holy Week, and most of Easter with no one in the church is something we never want to do again.”
In addition to considering the practice of giving something up. Fr. O’Brien also invites parishioners to check out the parish library for great books to read during Lent. He asks everyone to take extra time to pray and for parents to “take the reins in building a domestic church in their home.”
“The best way to get ready for Easter is to take Lent seriously,” Fr. O’Brien says.
Although we aren’t able to gather for any Lenten meals due to COVID-19 restrictions, Fr. O’Brien implores us to use this Lent as a time of conversion and an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord.
“When we encounter Jesus Christ, His light changes us,” he says. “It’s only when we encounter Jesus that we can then grow with Him and then share His love with the world. Lent is one more step in His direction.”
