The challenge of Lent is simple – to put our lives in order according to the will of God. How to respond to it makes it complicated.The symbols and activities of Ash Wednesday help us to understand. First, we are called to accept that our desire to follow Jesus is like ashes in the wind: blown left and right, very tentative and easily disintegrate. That is why the discipline of Fasting is necessary. Fasting traditionally refers to food only, but a modern rendering of fasting is to forego anything that will discipline our body or curb our appetite, in a way that will bring more opportunities for prayer, i.e. communication and intimate relationship with God, and alms giving, traditionally refers only to the giving of money but at present includes anything from presence to time, to skill, or even a word, that entails a giving up on our part.
Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving – Lent has always proposed these activities that has worked in the life of the saints and the faithful in the history of the Church. They have brought sinners into conversion. They have brought holiness into the hearts of Christians. They can also bring conversion into our hearts. They can also bring holiness into our life.
