Lent as preparation for the Victory of Love

As we enter into the Holy season of Lent, I wanted to remind you all as I also remind myself - anything we do during Lent (prayer, fasting, almsgiving) need to be in love. Without love it is all empty and we risk becoming the hypocrites that Jesus specifically warms us not to be in the Gospel for Ash Wednesday (Mt 6:1-6, 16-18). 

We fast so that we can learn self control. We do extra prayers or penances so that we can grow closer to God and remember He is always with us, whilst we so often get caught up in the distractions and responsibilities of life that stress us out. We give alms, perform acts of charity and mercy so that our hardened hearts are softened by the Holy Spirit, so that we love others as Jesus commanded us to and that our charity to others is done as if it was done for Jesus himself. Ultimately all of the spiritual practices, asceticism and prayers are about transformation. The transformation of our hearts so that in our union with Christ, He may shine out through us to others and so that they can encounter the love and mercy of God. 

So this Ash Wednesday and this Lent, don’t get caught up on arguments about types of fasting. Don’t get caught up in discussions on fasting only on bread and water, or about modern rules for fasting being far less strict than in the past etc… but instead remember that whatever we do this Lent, needs to be done out of love. Love for God, love for our neighbour and ultimately love for ourselves because it is Christ who loves us and has redeemed us. The love of Christ for us should be what urges us and compels us in everything we do or say (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). 

I wish you all a blessed and fruitful Lent as we enter the desert with Jesus and led by the Holy Spirit - to prepare our hearts to celebrate with joy the wonder of the Resurrection.  God bless you all and please keep me in your prayers 🙏 

As the Collect for Ash Wednesday says : 

Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting

this campaign of Christian service,

so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils,

we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.