Understanding the Three Lenten Practices: Prayer, Almsgiving, and Fasting
Understanding the Three Lenten Practices: Prayer, Almsgiving, and Fasting
Lent is a time of spiritual reflection and growth, marked by three core practices: Prayer, Almsgiving, and Fasting. These practices can be viewed through the lens of relationships, helping us become more loving in three distinct aspects.
Strengthening Our Relationship with God through Prayer
Through prayer, we refocus and deepen our connection with God. This spiritual practice allows us to center our thoughts, seek guidance, and foster a stronger, more personal relationship with the Divine.
Enhancing Our Relationships with Others through Almsgiving
Almsgiving involves acts of charity and generosity, which improve our relationships with those around us. By giving alms, we sensitize our hearts to the needs of others, especially those who are most forgotten. This practice encourages empathy and compassion, making our community a more caring place.
Healing Our Relationship with Ourselves through Fasting
Fasting might seem challenging to perceive as a loving act, but it plays a crucial role in healing our relationship with ourselves. Often, we live on autopilot, reacting to impulses from screens, family, or coworkers. These impulses can range from the distractions of TV and cell phones to feelings of underappreciation or perceived slights.
When we fast, we discover a vital aspect of our inner life: our capacity to choose. Fasting is a powerful reminder that we are free and capable of making deliberate choices. We can choose not to eat that piece of meat, to skip a full meal on Ash Wednesday, or to put down the phone and go for a walk instead. These choices are healing and loving gestures towards ourselves, reinforcing our autonomy and self-discipline.
By following these Lenten practices, we embark on a journey of spiritual growth that enhances our relationships with God, others, and ourselves. May this season be a time of reflection, compassion, and personal healing.
Fr. Pepe Ruiz, S.J.