Ever since watching the movie, The Passion of The Christ for the first time, I have tried my hardest to prepare my soul, heart, and mind for the liturgical season of Lent. I watched the movie on Good Friday and remember wishing with all my heart that I had watched it on Ash Wednesday instead. I felt like I had just completed an incredibly lukewarm Lent and I wanted to start the forty days all over again! Since that Good Friday, I have made an effort each year to enter the season of Lent in a deep, reflective way.
Confession is such a beautiful, healing Sacrament, and it is my favorite way to prepare for Lent. When I leave the confessional, I know the reality of grace and the gift of peace that has just been bestowed upon me. I know that my soul is flourishing and I have a deep desire to fully and joyfully live out my Catholic faith. Last week, I met Mike at church during his lunch break for Confession and prayer. It was incredible to spend that time in silence together before Jesus. Afterwards, I spent time reflecting on where Christ is leading me this Lent.
Years ago, a priest told me that whenever you “give something up”, you must replace it with something beautiful and edifying. That is something that I am trying to achieve this year. I try to grow in every part of my being during Lent- soul, will, mind, and body. Below, I am sharing with you what I am sacrificing this Lent and what I am replacing it with. I would love to hear how you prepare for the season of Lent and the ways in which you desire to grow closer to Christ.
Soul
Sacrificing: My impatience.
Replacing it with: Praying the Litany of the Holy Face each day.
Will
Sacrificing: All shopping other than the necessities for livelihood.
Replacing it with: Increasing our tithing each Sunday.
Mind
Sacrificing: Looking at my phone and all social media until 10am each day.
Replacing it with: Praying with my Blessed Is She Lenten journal each morning.
Body
Sacrificing: Starbucks, all dairy products, and chocolate.
Replacing it with: Working out three times a week.
– C
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