Lent 2021 begins today with Ash Wednesday, but in many ways, it feels like we never left Lent 2020. Ash Wednesday took place last year on February 26th, right before the first wave of precautions. We have faced so many unexpected challenges already, and we still have more to come.
So how can we approach the 40 days of Lent after carrying this cross?
We lean on Jesus more than ever. He will teach us how to do it.
Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to spend 40 days in the wilderness, without food, and was heavily tried by Satan in the last stretch. This was a specific mission, to strip away all earthly crutches and lean upon God the Father in order to get through this initial mission. This initial mission was a time of preparation for public ministry because the work of evangelization, healing, and deliverance waited for Him when He returned.
So, let’s look at this Lent for what it is – a time of preparation. This is a time where God wants to refine you and me even further so that we can have more impact in a world that needs Jesus. The enemy wants us to see Lent 2021 as a burden after a year-long burden, but I would encourage you to dive into this Lent like never before.
Make a specific, daily commitment to prayer. Make a specific commitment to give something up – Jesus fasted for 40 days solid – pointing to the deep importance of a food sacrifice. Make a specific commitment towards a technology fast of some sort, limiting phone, laptop, and TV.
Additionally, look for opportunities to serve others, ways to see Jesus in others, and have them see Jesus in you.
When we make remove some of our crutches, we end up leaning on God to fill the empty space. We learn about His love, power, and presence in a new way.
How will you change in 40 days? It all depends on your preparation. Have a great Lent!
-Fr. Beau Charbonnet
Last call for our 4-week series on Authentic Femininity & Masculinity. Exclusively for teens in grades 10-12th, this course is designed to allow young men and women to explore their identity as a man or woman of God in the context of a small group setting. Sessions begin Sunday, February 21 @ 6:30 p.m.
Contact Audrey Huck, Media & Catechetical Director, at audrey@stangela.org to sign up or receive more information.
As our gift to you, create a FREE account at FORMED.org to gain access to quality Catholic media. This is an excellent resource for the entire family, particularly as you begin your Lenten journey. Sign up HERE.