It seems like only yesterday that we were celebrating Christmas; and full of hope and anticipation and, perhaps a hint of trepidation, we welcomed in the New Year. Yet now, here we are at the threshold of beginning another season of Lent (from Ash Wednesday – 18 February 2026), that time in the Church’s calendar when we prepare for the celebration of the great feast of the Resurrection. It is a time which offers us the opportunity to reflect on our practices of prayer, almsgiving and fasting.
Lent affords us the time for a bit of soul-searching. How “real” is my prayer life? How do I care for and support my neighbour and all of creation? How open am I to practise self-denial? These three pillars of prayer, almsgiving and fasting which characterise this liturgical season guide us on our journey towards the celebration of the Resurrection. But how can we make them relevant in today’s world?
When we reflect on the one great Commandment which Jesus gives us: “Love God… and love others as you love yourself” (cf Matthew 22), a profitable way to spend this time of Lent would be to ask oneself, What in my life takes me away from loving God, from loving my neighbour and even from loving myself? Maybe in the answer to that question will we find a pathway for navigating Lent which has purpose.
Can we use this Lent as a time to develop a closer relationship to our God, taking time for prayer so that in the silence of our hearts we will have the time to really listen to what God is saying, is asking of us?
Rather than simply satisfying our conscience by donating money to Project Compassion – which in itself is a “holy and wholesome” act, can I also assist my neighbour who is struggling to make ends meet? Can I give my time to the young mother who is finding it difficult to cope with three young children? Can I do more to care for our earth by buying ethically sourced and produced products even if they cost a little more, or by planting a tree or some flowers?
Fasting usually requires some self-denial. In more recent years our focus on fasting in Lent has shifted more from going without food to a change in attitudes. This quote attributed to Pope Francis (although not confirmed) encourages us to fast in a different way:
Fast from hurting words and say kind things.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints; contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful
Fast from bitterness; fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words; be silent and listen.
How will this Lent be different from other years? The invitation is there for each one of us.
Katrina Van Ruth rsj