“Lenten fasting, almsgiving and support, prayer and bible study–practices such as these unite all men and women. The wealthier taste the hunger of those more poor than themselves, those more poor share their own heroic dependence on God and their neighbor with the wealthier who can otherwise become too independent and self-sufficient. By these alms the proud can offer the destitute an opportunity for self-respect; by their gracious acceptance the poor can teach the proud how to be of humble heart before God and neighbor.”
Caroll Stuhlmueller, Biblical Meditations for Lent (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1978) excerpt from reading for Monday of the first week of Lent.
Why observe Lent? Why dedicate time for prayer? Why identify earthly attachments and fast from them? Why give to a needy neighbor, or graciously receive the support from a generous one? These activities draw us closer to Christ and each other and prepare us to celebrate the resurrection together.
Take time today to pray? Is the glory of the cross of Christ overshadowed by anything in your life? identify something to fast from? It might be anything from food to Facebook. Follow the Spirit’s leading to reallocate time and money to serving a neighbor in need. In so doing, may God transform us together on the road to Calvary.