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Today, Catholic Christians celebrate Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. For Catholics, Lent goes from Ash Wednesday to the beginning of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. At that time, we enter the three-day season called Triduum.
Many people use Lent to strengthen their spiritual lives. Some do this by adding something special they don’t ordinarily do. For example, they may give more to charity, work in a soup kitchen, read spiritual books, pray the rosary, or go to Mass more frequently. Others, instead of adding something to their daily lives, subtract something from their lives, such as giving up candy, television, alcohol, gossip, or whatever.
My big advice is to keep in simple. Some people think Lent is the only time they have to become spiritual giants. That, of course, is ridiculous. Every day is a good day to strive for holiness; it doesn’t have to be in Lent. So, I’d suggest pick one thing and do it well. When Lent is over, you can pick something else and do it well. You are not going to go from zero to high-powered mystic in 40 days…or 40 years!
And while you’re doing your special spiritual exercise, keep it secret. That is the message of today’s Gospel passage from St. Matthew (6: 1-6, 16-18). As Jesus told his disciples, “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father” (Mt 6: 1).
