Lent is right around the corner, and I keep hearing people sighing – almost complaining – that this season is “already” here. It is true; Lent is early this year. Yes, it feels like we just had Christmas. Furthermore, Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day, which feels strange in terms of my children, my husband, and my students. Even if one doesn’t go to extremes for Valentine’s Day, it is nice to have an excuse to celebrate in the dreary month of February. I guess Mardi Gras will just have to be extra special this year!
Regardless of the timing, I am grateful for Lent. It wasn’t always this way for me. I, too, used to sigh and complain because Lent felt just too … hard. As I grow older, Lent doesn’t grow less difficult, but I think it has become more of a welcomed opportunity to challenge myself, to focus on my relationship with Jesus, and to humbly make it a “good” Lent.
I am blessed to teach in a Catholic school where we attend daily Mass together throughout the Lenten season. Participating in Mass before the school day begins creates a sense of order and an awareness of priorities that are too often missing in my life. More frequent daily Mass attendance is something I always aim to prioritize, but it doesn’t happen very often … until Lent. For this Lenten routine, made possible by my workplace, I am grateful.
In my personal life, I also strive to grow spiritually. Of course, I engage in my “usual” Lenten sacrifice of giving up chocolate, but I also make more time to read articles and listen to podcasts which encourage my self-growth. Through word-of-mouth, I have discovered many wonderful resources, some of which I now share with you in case you, too, are searching for something more this Lent.
“Pray More Novenas” is a platform which offers online novenas throughout the year. Once you sign up with them, the novenas conveniently come to your inbox, offering short prayers and reflections which take mere minutes to complete. Throughout the year, self-paced online retreats are also offered. These include recordings of various speakers, along with downloadable transcripts of their talks. Currently, “Pray More Novenas” is promoting their “Pray More Lenten Retreat.” I highly recommend the resources this website provides throughout the year; perhaps Lent is the time for you to try them out. Learn more at https://www.praymorenovenas.com/.
Bishop Robert Barron continues to enlighten subscribers with his daily gospel reflections through Word on Fire. I enjoy reading his short articles, along with the Church’s daily readings, as I drink my morning coffee. Throughout the Lenten season, I especially appreciate Bishop Barron’s insights and wisdom. I likewise take advantage of his beautiful recordings of the Rosary and the Stations of Cross, complete with artwork. Find these and more resources at www.wordonfire.org.
Our parish subscribes to Formed, which offers many videos, audiobooks and podcasts for all ages and all liturgical seasons. For children, there are the Brother Francis videos and an art program called “Drawing Closer to God;” for families, there is “Catholic All Year” with Kendra Tierney; for teens and adults, there is “The Search” with Chris Stefanick; for daily prayer, there are the Formed Daily Reflections with Tim Gray. I am only scratching the surface with this short list. There is something for everyone on this site. Either create a personal account or see if your parish already has one!
For the past few years, Father Mike Schmitz has been providing opportunities to grow in knowledge and faith through his podcasts, “The Bible in a Year” and “The Catechism in a Year.” These podcasts, which are usually about twenty minutes long, can be completed on one’s own timeline. There are daily episodes, but anyone can begin, pause, restart, or even replay an episode on their own schedule. I enjoy listening to Father Mike while I am folding laundry or driving to my children’s sports. I appreciate knowing that once I have subscribed to these podcasts, I can tune in at any time.
I am looking forward to learning and reflecting more during this Lenten season, and I plan to take advantage of the above resources and many others. I hope that you, too, can find something that speaks to you and helps you make this early Lent a “good” one.
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