Center for Catholic Education at UD

And he said to all: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. ~Luke 9:23

By Elena Niese

Lent is a season of hunger. Hunger quite literally as we fast from our favorite sweets, snack foods, and meat, but this hunger also extends much deeper than mere earthly sustenance. Our hunger is also a longing of the spirit; it is a call towards prayer and deeper union with God. And so, as we enter this season of fasting and prayer, here are some easy ways to satisfy this deeper hunger, the hunger that is of the spirit for God.

Invite Prayer into Your Inbox

There are several programs from Bishop Barron, Dynamic Catholic, and Loyola Press that not only provide insightful reflections accompanying the day’s Gospel or another spiritual topic, but conveniently deliver them directly to your inbox. It is a great way to allow prayer to become a daily habit, reminding you to intentionally set aside a short time amidst tasks of the workday to pray and be present to God.  

Listen to a Divine Mercy Chaplet or Pray a Rosary in Your Daily Routine

Often times, it is easy to fall victim to the thought that there is not enough time in the day to pray. Yet, although setting aside time for prayer is important, I find it particularly helpful to also acknowledge that anytime, anyplace, and any circumstance can also be turned into a prayer. Whether it’s walking to class, driving to work, or getting around in the morning, turning on a video of the Divine Mercy Chaplet or praying a decade of the rosary can allow even the most mundane of moments to become filled with grace.    

Choose a Saint to Walk With

The challenge often coupled with that of fasting is the pull of temptation to break our Lenten promises. This makes Lent an even more essential time to journey in community. In addition to finding a group, friend, or choosing to travel together as a family, the Saints are also here as journey companions. Read several of their stories and note which ones move you. It might just be the friendship, and the little bit of extra spiritual encouragement, you did not know you were needing.   Here is the Franciscan media “Saint of the Day” website.

Make Small Sacrifices

As exemplified best by one of the most well-known Saints of Mercy, Saint Therese of Lisieux inspired millions by her Little Way, her emphasis on making small sacrifices for the sake of the Kingdom. Volunteering to clean the bathroom, choosing not to complain about homework, or letting the person in front of you out of the parking lot first, do not seem like much, but these things are extremely valuable in Christ’s eyes, who gave Himself as the greatest sacrifice.

Model the Marianists

Each day at 3’oclock, the time of Christ’s death on the cross, the Society of Mary, the Marianists, stop their work to gather and pray together in community. Consider pausing to pray this prayer or another at 3 o’clock, too, uniting yourself more intimately with the Passion of Christ.

Image from http://www.satodayscatholic.org/archbishop-column-preparing-lent/

Blog edited by Barb Miller.