Lent is just around the corner. Why not try something new this year? Have you ever set aside time during Lent for spiritual enrichment? The most productive Lents I have experienced are the ones in which I have made spiritual reading a priority. At the end of Lent, the goal is to feel closer to Jesus—more in love with Jesus. If it, instead, finds you only looking for chocolate, wine, cake or your favorite television show, maybe adding an element of spiritual nourishment is just what you need.
Ready, Set, Grow
Reading excerpts from the lives of the saints or other holy books that nourish one’s faith are excellent ways to appreciate how to become a saint. After all, if we want to go to Heaven, we must become saints. Growth in holiness should be our goal each Lent. Try reading daily from The Diary of Saint Maria Faustina or Story of a Soul—the autobiography of St. Therese. If you’ve never read the Catechism of the Catholic Church, choose to read some passages from it each day. Learning about our faith helps us to better understand it and to live it.
Other Lenten Aids
In this proclaimed year of St. Joseph in the Church, read Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father. Or, consecrate yourself to the Blessed Mother via 33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-It-Yourself Consecration. You could also read Consoling the Heart of Jesus: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat Inspired by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The first book mentioned is by Marian Father, Donald Calloway. The others are written by Marian Father, Michael Gaitley. Both priests are wonderful writers desiring our growth in holiness and love for Christ.
If you don’t want to read, but still want to try something new for Lent, try volunteering at any number of places helping the poor or those in need. Use your time, talent and/or treasure to aid those less fortunate than you in any number of life’s circumstances.
Giving something up is also beneficial for one’s soul. It is a fast from something to make more room for God by pushing something other than God out. It is a high form of prayer when we offer that sacrifice up in prayer. One can always couple a fasting sacrifice with spiritual reading each day if one wishes to do both. It reminds us of Christ’s fasting in the desert for 40 days and his closeness to his Father in daily prayer.
Lenten Resources
If you still need some ideas for Lent, browse the following great websites for inspiration or visit your local Catholic bookstore. Prepare yourself now while you still have time to place and receive orders before Lent begins. Pick a holy book or two that speaks to your soul for spiritual reading. Select some for your children, too. Begin a lifelong Lenten spiritual growth tradition experience in their young lives. You will all look forward to the yearly workings of the Holy Spirit as He breathes new life into your minds and hearts each Lent. Below are some wonderful starting places to encounter resources for spiritual growth. Just click on the links:
