Lenten Observances 

   Sunday’s during Lent are not considered part of Lent; they are a time of joyful celebration of the Mass.  We can't fast at the table of the Lord.  That is why there are more than forty days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.

   I once knew two men who gave up beer every year as their Lenten sacrifice.  However, since Sunday’s aren’t actually a part of Lent they made up for the beer they had foregone during the week by drinking more each Sunday.  That is not the intent of our Lenten observances.

   I’ve been considering the value of the sacrifices we make during Lent.  Most of us are sincere in our efforts even though we all fail at times.  To give up something meaningful to honor Jesus and the sacrifices He made for us is a noble and worthy thing.  Finding ways to subvert those sacrifices, as my two friends did, really destroys the meaning of sacrifice.

   This year, there is an observance that I belief is very appropriate for Lent.  Along with whatever else we have chosen to sacrifice I propose that we all say at least one Rosary a day for those suffering the terrors of war in the Ukraine.  If possible, going to at least one daily Mass, and offering the blessing of that Mass for the victims of this war would be even better.

   We sit in our safe homes, giving up whatever we’ve decided is a proper Lenten sacrifice and rarely think of those whose concern isn’t what to sacrifice for Lent, but simply to survive to see another Easter.  This year, let’s go global and pray, pray, and pray some more for an immediate end to these atrocities.  I believe this would be a very pleasing offering to our Lord in these troubled times.

 

Father, as we continue in our Lenten observances help us keep in mind all those less fortunate.  Remind us of the suffering of others that we may offer our prayers of sacrifice for them.  Amen