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With the arrival of warmer weather which will, hopefully, stay around for a while, we are heading into the season of spring as well as the season of Lent. As Ash Wednesday is coming up in a few days, it is best that we take some time to consider in what way we can prepare ourselves to receive the countless graces which accompany this season. This last Monday, in our 4th Grade religion class, I talked about the season of Lent and offered some reflections as to why we do the things we do. I think it could be good for us to take some time to reflect on these things too: One of the greatest acts of penance we see during Lent is to fast from something. This is why we usually give up something. This can be something we like a lot, such as a favorite food or our favorite games. It can also be a chance to work on giving up the things we know are wrong but we find ourselves doing again and again. Lent can be a good chance to “give up” these bad habits. It is a chance for us to grow in virtue . The whole Church participates in “giving up” things. This is why we do not sing the Alleluia at Mass all throughout Lent. It’s also why on Fridays Catholics practice abstinence from meat. Abstinence from meat on Fridays means that we avoid eating land-based meats and instead choose to eat things like fruits, vegetables, and fish. This is because historically meat was seen as a luxury. To remember that Lent is a season of penance, we choose to avoid certain luxuries. Also, we do this on Fridays since we remember Jesus’ death on the Cross on Good Friday. Another thing we do during Lent is almsgiving . When we give alms, we choose to give up some of the material things we have, such as money or food, and give these items to people who live in poverty. Some people may choose to donate money towards a charity which helps the poor. Some may choose to donate food items to food pantries or homeless shelters. Some may also choose to volunteer at these places which help the poor. This is to remind ourselves that we should try to live a simple life so that we can rely on the gifts that God gives us. In addition, I gave our students three challenges which I think could be good challenges for us during these upcoming forty days: 1. What is one way I can fast during Lent as I prepare for Easter? What could I give up? 2. How can I grow in my relationship with God during Lent? 3. What is one way I can participate in almsgiving this Lent? Continued prayers for Pope Francis Please join me in continuing to pray for Pope Francis who, at the time of this writing, remains in critical condition in the hospital. We do not know what the future holds, but in charity, we unite our prayers with the rest of the Church, both on earth and in heaven. May God bless Pope Francis abundantly. Amen. -Fr. Alex