Lent is a chance to pause and reset. It begins on Ash Wednesday, a day marked by reflection and humility. As ashes touch foreheads, the words remind us: “Remember, you are dust.” This moment isn’t about guilt—it’s about honesty. It’s about recognizing where life needs adjustment and starting fresh.
The season of Lent calls for three core practices: reflection, fasting and almsgiving. These are not empty traditions. Each action builds focus, connection and purpose. Lent isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.
Reflection: Looking Inward
Reflection helps clear the noise. It’s stepping out of the rush and asking hard questions. Where am I headed? What’s holding me back? Lent invites us to face these questions with honesty and intention.
A simple way to start is by writing. Grab a notebook and jot down thoughts without overthinking. What’s weighing on you? What feels out of place? This isn’t about solving everything—it’s about recognizing what needs attention.
Pair reflection with quiet moments of prayer. Set aside time each day, even for a few minutes. Light a candle, breathe deeply, and let the stillness guide your thoughts. These small actions open space for clarity and direction.
Fasting: Finding Focus
Fasting clears distractions. It’s not just skipping food or giving up coffee. It’s about cutting out what clutters life and finding focus. When we fast, we feel hunger. We notice time. We experience the absence of things we often take for granted.
Fasting creates room for gratitude. Skipping snacks or social media may seem small, but these choices sharpen attention and build self-discipline. It also allows us to feel empathy for those who live with less.
Choose a fast that fits your life. Maybe it’s sugar, unnecessary spending or negative thinking. Each time you say no, you create space for something more meaningful.
Giving: Shifting Outward
Almsgiving is more than donating money. It’s about noticing others and taking action. Lent encourages us to look beyond ourselves.
Giving can be simple. Share a meal with someone in need. Pay for a stranger’s coffee. Volunteer an hour of your time. Small acts of kindness create real change. They connect us with others and remind us of our shared humanity.
The act of giving also deepens our own sense of purpose. It shifts the focus outward, turning Lent into a season of service and compassion.
Repentance: Making Changes
Repentance is not about shame. It’s about truth. Lent gives us the chance to admit where we’ve gone wrong and work toward change. Picture muddy shoes after walking through rain. Repentance is like stopping to clean them so the journey forward feels lighter.
Confession is one way to begin. Speak honestly in prayer, with a trusted friend, or with a priest. It’s about recognizing mistakes and asking, “What’s next?” This process isn’t about being perfect—it’s about progress. Each step forward, no matter how small, builds momentum.
The 40-Day Journey
Lent mirrors Jesus’ 40 days in the desert. It’s a time to step back, reflect and prepare. This isn’t a sprint. It’s a steady walk toward Easter. Holy Week brings the journey to its peak. From Palm Sunday to the Last Supper to Good Friday, each step builds toward the celebration of Easter.
Lent prepares us to experience the resurrection fully. The season isn’t about crossing the finish line. It’s about the small, daily actions that shape us along the way. Each moment of reflection, fasting and giving adds depth to the journey.
As you reflect on Lent’s call to serve, consider supporting the mission of the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land (FFHL). Your act of giving can provide hope to Christian families facing immense challenges in the Holy Land. Through education, housing and vital support, FFHL works to provide a future for the Christian presence in the land where our faith began.
This Lent, take the next step in your journey by joining FFHL in acts of charity and compassion. Visit FFHL’s website to learn how your contribution can make a lasting impact.
