Have you ever thought about what does God want of you this Lent?

Lent is a special season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving before Easter. In this period, we reflect and prepare for the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.

The busyness of our everyday life leaves little time for God. Commemorating the death of our savior Jesus Christ during this Lent gives us the opportunity to pause and bring ourselves closer to God. It is a beautiful time to reflect on the greatness of Christ’s love for us.

As you remember Christ’s sacrifice and death on the cross, meditate on what you can give back to our Lord, for His perfectly selfless act of love.

Lay something down

You can begin by giving up something or a habit that is offending God. It may be from your meal, gadget, or time spent on social media. You can fast from things that give you pleasure. Then dive deeper into examining yourself, the life you are living, and the sins that you have committed. A good confession will cleanse your soul, renew your spirit and strengthen your will to do good and resist temptations.

Forgiveness

Lent is also a time to forgive and reconcile with people who have wronged us. It may be hard for you to forgive these people, but we invite you to remember that Jesus Christ died for us for the forgiveness of our sins. The following Bible passages will enlighten us about forgiveness:

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Matthew 6:14-15

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, if my brother keeps on sinning against me, how many times do I have to forgive him? Seven times?

“No, not seven times,” answered Jesus, “but seventy times seven” GNT

Matthew 18:21-22

Sometimes, it is impossible to forgive by our own capacity. We need the grace of God to heal and reconcile broken relationships. When you struggle with unforgiveness, pray and give your heart to God and allow Him to heal you. He can free your heart and give you peace.

Almsgiving

God commanded us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Jesus calls us to share and tend to the needs of others, especially the poor. When we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, clothed the naked, visit and take care of the sick, we are doing it to God Himself. Just as mother Teresa of Calcutta said, “Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.” She recognized Jesus in the disguise of the suffering poor.

“The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’“

Matthew 25:40

Almsgiving allows us to focus on the needs of others and less on our own. There are many ways of almsgiving, from donating to charities to even just showing an act of kindness to someone who may have a hard time. One important reminder about almsgiving that the Bible tells us is in Matthew 6:2-4:

“Therefore, when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does, so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”

Prayer

We can describe Lent as a spiritual renewal. God longs for us to come to Him. Since we communicate with God thru prayer, we are called to deepen our prayer life in this time of Lent. Commit to spend more time reading the bible, practice your faith by attending mass or actively taking part in church services and activities, meditate on the stations of the cross, and the passion of Christ. These are just a few of the things that can draw you into the presence of God. Aim to have a deep encounter with Him that will transform and help you grow in faith.

Your turn

Friend, what can you give to God this Lent? May God will fill your heart with His presence as you prepare to celebrate Easter this year.

Here’s our prayer verse for you:

“Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”

Psalms 139:23-24