As Lent approaches, it’s a great time to ask, “What will we do this year?”

 

All of us have “stuff” that we can address: bad habits or little/big addictions or even a particular way of viewing the world (my friend and I are giving up complaining this year — yikes!). 

 

The key to a better Lenten sacrifice is to ponder if we are giving up something that keeps us from growing in faith and drawing closer to God. Or, if we choose to do some extra good acts, we can ask if they will bring us greater insights into seeing God at work in our lives.

 

Either way, what we pick should challenge us and be rather precise. “I’ll be nicer to people” doesn’t hold us accountable, but “I will take every opportunity to wait and hold the door for people” will let us know whether or not we are keeping our pledge. Giving up a food or habit for the duration is even clearer, and we can spot the temptations that will come, and will know right away if we mess up.

 

If we are feeling brave, we could ask God to choose our penence for us. He knows, better than we do, what would elevate our faith. So, how can we discover what He wants?

 

It is possible that simply bringing ourselves before the Lord — in a chapel or any quiet place — and asking sincerely what He would like will give us the answer. If we instantly know what TV show or food or habit needs to go, we can grab hold of that penance and just do it.

 

But sometimes the answer doesn’t come so easily.

 

Looking at how the apostles chose Matthias as their new #12, we can write down all our Lenten ideas, put the pieces of paper into a bag, shake it up, say a prayer and draw one out. This works also if we want to be more charitable ­— put papers listing a variety of weekly amounts/percentages to give away into a bag, pray and draw one out. Ta da.

 

We may want to ask friends what are the most creative or effective Lenten penances they’ve heard of and see if any of them sound like what we should do. Giving up specific media, foods, drinks, smoking, etc. are useful for many; going to daily Mass is excellent for those who are able to fit it into their work schedule at least a day or two more each week. 

 

Another idea is to ask God to give us a parable to ponder. Every parable applies in some way to everyone — either directly or as a warning of how we are wandering off the path.

 

We may want to ask if we are a prodigal son/daughter; or if we are building our “house” on sand instead of the rock of Christ; or if we say ‘yes’ to God and others but don’t follow through; or if we are too much like the rich man who ignored Lazarus.

 

That last parable should set off alarm bells in most of us. The rich man never hurt Lazarus except by ignoring him. He was all about business as usual, never adjusting his “good business” practices to uplift others in love, or give them a needed break. It is much too easy to focus on our own success and be clueless about any harm we are causing. Or perhaps, with some changes, our lives could be of amazing benefit to others.

 

Again, God can give us insights, and Lent is the perfect time to ask Him to expand our vision. Lent is a season of greater and more abundant graces, and we all can partake of them if we wish.

 

God is generous. If we are willing to grow in holier directions, He will help us do so.

 

May we all take this holy season of Lent seriously and reap the benefits!