Fasting, Alms and Prayer

Three things we ought to consider this Lent:

1. Fasting - an expression of self-mastery also in depriving oneself of something in saying no to oneself

2. Alms - more than just the external work of mercy (both corporal and spiritual) but must begin as an interior gift that is to say, an attitude of opening up oneself to the other (neighbor)

3. Prayer - opening to God

It is these three things united, this total attitude in man's relationship with himself, with his neighbor and with God that it becomes possible for him to reach conversion and remain in that state of conversion...

John Paul the Great, in his Lenten Message from 2005, reminded us that this season is set before us an opportunity for the intensification of prayer and penance and for opening our hearts to the docile welcoming of the divine will. This spiritual journey outlines for us the preparation to relive the great mystery of the death and resurrection of Christ. This is accomplished through listening to the Word of God more devoutly (prayer), by practicing acts of mortification more generously (fasting) and to render greater assistance to those in need (alms). Here is the link to read our Holy Father's message for this Lent.

I pray that this spiritual pilgrimage of Lent will bring bring us all to and help us remain in a deeper state of conversion!