From the Friars: Spiritual Spring Cleaning

From the Friars: Spiritual Spring Cleaning

Many people do not know that “Lent” is an Old English word meaning “Spring”. Spring often begins in the middle of Lent (March 20th). Yet, it also has a spiritual meaning: “Springtime” should return to our souls. We should be engaged in some efforts to prepare for our spiritual Springtime by being involved in a “spiritual” spring cleaning. We can do this through our Lenten practices of discipline and self-denial.

Image of a plate with soup and bread.

Lenten suppers often consist of a vegetarian soup, bread, and water in order to maintain the season’s focus on abstinence, sacrifice, and simplicity. Picture by Katrin Gilger – CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Jesus tells us to pray, fast, and give alms. There are many positive habits that we can do and negative habits that we can give up or avoid to grow spiritually. The Holy Spirit will assist us in our spiritual transformation during the next 40 days. Here are some suggestions to make this the “best Lent” ever.

Things to give up:

Using your cell phone after 8:00pm. Using the Internet after 8:00pm. Being a backseat driver. Texting while driving. Rolling your eyes at your parents. Rolling your eyes at your spouse. Complaining. Being sarcastic. Road Rage. Being judgmental. Gossip. Foods that you like (which can be both meat and fish on Fridays), especially sugary, fatty foods. Playing music in your car (and simply enjoying the silence).

Things to do:

Give something away every single day–be it money, time, or something you own. Pray the Stations of the Cross (Thursday or Friday evenings). Eat healthy foods that you don’t like. Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet–especially if you don’t trust in God. Visit a Jubilee Shrine. Pray the Rosary in Church, at home, in the car, while walking or jogging. Volunteer once a week at Cor Unum, Holy Rosary Shrine, Lazarus House Ministries, the St. Joseph’s Home, The Movement Family–pick one. Attend Mass–daily, if possible. Meditate on the daily Mass readings (whether you go or not)–they all have a unique Lenten message each day. Watch one (religious) movie a week (or an episode of “The Chosen”) with your family and discuss it afterward. Attend the “Festival of Praise” on Wednesday evenings or Adoration on Fridays at the Shrine. Make a good examination of conscience and go to Confession.

Then it will be Spring again in your soul.

–Fr. Andrew