Lent starts on February 6th this year. That’s as early as it can possibly be! It seems like we have only just stored away our Christmas decorations and it’s already time to be preparing for Easter. What will we do this Lent to increase our stewardship by Easter? The three traditional Lenten disciplines can help:
Fasting… We can abstain from something only if it is something we already have and enjoy. So, when we voluntarily undertake to do without some good thing, it reminds us that it is a gift, a good thing we ordinarily have immediately available for our use and pleasure, that we may or may not be fully aware of or appropriately grateful for. Gratitude is the hallmark of a good steward.
Prayer… For most of us, prayer is something we believe in and “mean to do,” but rarely do enough of. Intercessory prayer – praying for the good of someone else – is a reminder that we have and often take for granted our own life, health, family and relationships. It gives rise to prayers of praise and gratitude and is a gift to those for whom our prayers are offered. Good stewards know that all good gifts come from God and are anxious to share them with others.
Almsgiving… Whether our Lenten offerings come from our abundance or are the result of sacrifices willingly undertaken, the good they can do for others is good stewardship. Whether we give to a mission in Haiti or to provide shoes that fit for underprivileged children in the inner city, whether they are gifts of money to good causes or time generously given to those who need our help, our alms help us to respond more intentionally to the stewardship invitation we hear at the end of every Mass – go forth to love and serve the Lord and one another. How will you grow as a steward this Lent? How will you help your parish use these forty days to more fully embrace stewardship as a way of life?
Catholic Faith Resources | For Catholic Parishes | Order OSV Products | RSS | Advertise | About Us | Contact Us | Jobs Copyright © 1996-2012, Our Sunday Visitor, Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright information | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy