Lent is a season of penance, fasting, and repentance—of remembering Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and preparing ourselves for Easter. It’s also a season of spiritual cleansing, purifying, and renewal.
The temptation for some Catholics is to use Lent to like we use New Year’s resolutions. We all want to better ourselves. We say, this time, I’m really going to do it. I’m going to go on that diet, pray the rosary every day, pray the Divine Office every day, give up coffee, give up scrolling on social media, on and on and on. This time I will be better, we say.
Of course, we are all human. We are imperfect and all fall short of the grace of God. The guilt or the shame comes in when, as hard as we try, we just can’t seem to be good enough.
That’s why this year, I’m approaching Lent with mindfulness, and I’m encouraging you to do so with me.
St. Anthony once wisely said, “Do you want to have God always in your mind? Be just as he made you to be. Do not go seeking another ‘you.’ Do not make yourself otherwise than he made you. Then you will always have God in mind.”
Mindful Fasting
Fasting during Lent without awareness can do more harm than good. Never fast in a way that is harmful to your mind, body, or spirit. When you fast, be mindful of why. Fasting can help us spiritually. It can draw us closer to God. When we fast, we also show solidarity with the poor. Fasting allows us to experience only a portion of the hunger that many around the world feel all year round.
Many of us do not eat mindfully. Maybe we’re rushing to eat during a lunch break from work, or inhaling a granola bar while running to catch the morning train. Rarely are our minds present while we eat. Fasting also helps us to feel gratitude for our meals.
To be mindful while fasting, whenever you feel hunger, be aware of the sensations in your body, and your thoughts during these moments. Use it as an opportunity to pray for those who are hungry around the world. Pray, also, a prayer of thanks to God for giving you your daily bread. This can help you cultivate gratitude in your daily life.
Mindful Prayer
Lent is the perfect season to set aside time every day for prayer or meditation. The great thing about mindfulness is that it can be done anywhere, at any time.
Instead of scrolling during any boring or “dull” moment of the day, focus on being present and grounded. Take a moment to reflect on the themes of Lent—hope, renewal, sacrifice, and others that resonate. Look around you. What do you see? What do you hear? Try to be intentional with your attention, let go of distractions, and be aware of God’s presence in the little moments of every day.
Mindful Charity
It was only a week or so ago that I passed a homeless man who asked me for help. He asked me for water, yet I had none. I dug through my things and found several small food items and barely $2 in change. I apologized that I could not help him that moment in any meaningful way. Yet, he said to me, “I want you to know how much I appreciate you just for stopping. Everybody else just ignored me, and walked passed me without even a glance. Thank you for treating me like a human being. Thank you for seeing me.”
Too often are we so absorbed in our own worlds, with our focus in our phones, or on our plans, on where we’re headed, on everything we need to do for the day, that we turn a blind eye to the suffering of others.
Most of us are not able to give money or food to every person in need that we come across, but this Lent, I’m inviting you to slow down. To be a witness to the suffering of the poor. To be aware. To humble yourself enough to take that extra minute out of your busy day to help someone feel human. To show someone God’s love.
No matter what you choose to give up this Lent, use this time to focus on spiritual growth, intentional living, and connecting with god.
Our Lady of Light 