For a fruitful Lent

Part 3 of a series of articles for the Lenten season by Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission

The first weeks of Lent has gone and hopefully it has gone well—we have been faithful to Lenten practices we have taken on, all geared to helping us to be disciplined and to love God and neighbour more.

Here are some suggestions to keep us going (or to start us).

Prayer

• The Divine Mercy Chaplet —is it possible to pray this every day or at least on Fridays? At 3 p.m. or at any suitable time?
• Stations of the Cross – either attend if your parish church has or possibly you have a copy you can use at home. Stations are also available on the internet either in printed form or filmed versions.
• What about when travelling? At a red light ‘Stop! Time to pray.’ We can then remember certain people or situations in prayer. There are people who pray the rosary while driving, a good practice but possibly difficult if you are the driver.
• When you start and finish work—two or three minutes of prayer (thanksgiving, petition for good day’s work, offering our work of the day to God; a meditative repetition of a word (e.g., maranatha) or scripture verse).

Corporal works of mercy

• A visit to a sick or shut-in person (careful in these Covid days) or a phone call will do both you and the recipient good. (I was sick and you visited me)
• Are there clothes in your cupboard in good condition that you can do without? Can you give them away to people in need? (I was naked, and you clothed me)
• Make a practice of every time you go to the grocery buying a few extra items—finances permitting—which can be given to people in need. (I was hungry, and you gave me food) Many parishes have a St Vincent de Paul Society to which food items can be given; if not, the parish office may have people who come for help.

Fasting

There is nothing like fasting to remind us that it is Lent. And there is probably nothing like it to discipline us for the spiritual journey with its temptations.

Confession

Many parishes have an evening of Confession. Some have times for Confession during the week. Priests will give the Sacrament if arrangements are made. Whenever you can go, Confession is a perfect help for it forgives sin and strengthens us for the journey—what more can we ask for Lent.