Dear Friends,

Lent is almost upon us. This season is a longer preparation than Advent, since the Solemnity of Easter is the most important and holiest liturgical day (and season) of the entire year. Just as I said during Advent, let’s not waste this precious time of preparation. Many people make sacrifices and give things up during Lent, and perhaps that’s what the Lord is asking you to do. However, it’s important to remember that this is not some empty gesture or custom – any Lenten penance should have the goal of detachment from sin and pursuit of holiness in preparation for the glory of Christ’s Resurrection, and our own.

With that in mind, let’s consider our Lenten practices more prayerfully. What can I do to take the next concrete step toward holiness? What meaningful sacrifice or spiritual practice will actually add to my desire for holiness, rather than merely satisfy some vague feeling of obligation to give something up for forty days? Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving – figure out how to work all of those in!

In Christ,
Fr Marotti