The Lenten Journey into the Desert
From Death to New Life
Oh Lord, lead me deep into the desert of my inner-most self to discover anew who it is you call me to be. Through my alms giving may I discover a largeness of heart, through my prayer may I deepen my love for you and my fasting may I discover a greater hunger for justice.
Amen
(Mt: 6, 1-18) TJH
You thumbed grit into my furrowed brow, marking me with the sign of mortality, the dust of last year's palms. The cross you traced seared, smudged skin, and I recall other ashes etched into my heart by those who loved too little and not at all.
- Elizabeth-Ann Vanek
Having trouble getting through Lent? You're not alone! Read on to find tips and hints to make your Lenten Journey a fulfilling one...
Alms Giving
ACHIEVE/ACCOMPLISH
|
| Make yourself more aware of world issues |
| Donate some of your personal possessions to those less fortunate |
| Stand up for the needs of others, i.e. check out SCM's Outreach Opportunities |
| Adopt and elder or teen and spend two or three hours a week with them |
| Give a fixed amount of money to the Sunday collection at Mass |
| Commit an hour a month to a social service agency |
| Each time you go shopping, buy a few extra food items to donate to a food bank |
GIVE UP/LET GO
|
| Excessive credit card use |
| Anger from past hurt |
| Negative attitudes |
| Your need for "thanks" |
| The purchase of some luxury items |
| Unnecessary negative commentary on people and organizations |
Prayer
ACHIEVE/ACCOMPLISH
|
| Make a sacred space in your room or office |
| Plan a daily moment of solitude |
| Pray daily (Scripture, the rosary for someone else) |
| Start a spiritual journal and use it daily |
| Greet the dawn one day a week |
| Make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation |
| Take time to pray with a friend |
GIVE UP/LET GO
|
| Background noise in your room, home or car |
| Excessive talking / be more available to listen |
| Finding fault with others |
| The urge to make assumptions about others |
| Doubt in the effectiveness of prayer |
Fasting
ACHIEVE/ACCOMPLISH
|
| Share a weekly meal with friends, family or someone from your floor |
| Offer your talents to a campus organization |
| Make a weekly donation to those in need |
| Practice fasting from at least two meals one day a week |
GIVE UP/LET GO
|
| A favorite food |
| Television |
| Overeating or over drinking |
| Excessive use of technology (video games, e-mail, cell phone, internet, computer) |
