Lent is a season
in which we pause to examine our lives in preparation for Holy Week, when we
will join in Christ’s journey to the cross and share in the victory of his
resurrection. It is also a good time for families as well to re-orient
themselves and consider the priorities that sometimes get lost in the business
of everyday life. Let's examine four traditional themes of Lent (prayer,
penance, fasting and almsgiving) and offer some ways to share in these themes
as a family: Prayer: The forty days of Lent remind
us of Jesus’ forty days in the desert, which he spent in prayer to God as he
prepared for his public ministry (Catechism
of the Catholic Church, 540). Lent is an excellent time to re-commit to
family prayer. One possibility is to have a time each day in which the family
gathers and each member says something to God, followed by a traditional prayer
such as the Our Father. You might wish to consider the “forms of prayer”
discussed in the Catechism (2644;
blessing, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise) as a starting
point. For example, if you choose thanksgiving, everyone in the family would
name something they wish to thank God for, and after each prayer, the family
could respond, “Thank you, God.” If you choose “petition,” each member in the
family could pray for a need, and the family could respond (as in the Mass),
“Lord, hear our prayer.” If possible, choose a special area of your home for
prayer, decorate it with some religious articles such as a crucifix, religious
statues, etc., and light a candle when prayer time begins. Penance: Lent is traditionally a time
ofPenance and Reconciliation in the
Church. If your parish has a communal Penance service, it might be good to
attend as a family, even if your child is not quite old enough to celebrate the
sacrament. For family members who have had their first confession, it’s a good
opportunity to celebrate God’s gift of forgiveness once again, and recommit our
lives to him. It makes a strong impression on children to see their parents and
other adults go to confession, and this is one of the few times they can
actually see it in action. Seeing mom and dad acknowledge their own
shortcomings and God’s place in their life is a powerful sign that their really
is a God and that all of us are called to follow him. It is also a great
reminder that God loves us no matter what. Make this also a season to practice
a spirit of reconciliation in the family. Are their wrongs that need to be
discussed and forgiven? Model this for your children and encourage them to
follow your example with siblings and others. Fasting: Fasting on Ash Wednesday and
Holy Thursday are not required for young children, but it’s good even for elementary
school-age kids to have an opportunity to make a small sacrifice (“give up
something”) at this time. Doing so can help the young child gain delay of gratification and self-control skills,
which psychological research shows are closely related to success in work and
relationships. In short, fasting builds our self-discipline. Encourage younger
children to choose something they can do without for Lent. (It should be
something they enjoy – no giving up broccoli if that’s not a favorite food!)
Perhaps a particular TV program or toy would be appropriate. Explain that we
choose to give up something we like during Lent so we can remember how Jesus
gave his whole life for us, and also to help us grow in self-control. Almsgiving: Lent is a timeto make a special effort to give our
time, talent, and treasure. Food pantries that serve the poor are often sorely
in need of restocking at this time, so perhaps the family can choose some
canned goods and other non-perishables to give away (again, give some of the
good stuff as well). Perhaps the children and teens in the family can set aside
some money they would have used to buy candy or other non-essentials, and
donate this to Catholic Relief Services or some other charity. Also, consider
what the family may be able to do together to serve the parish or community.
Volunteer to stuff the bulletins at your parish, or stay after Mass to help
tidy up. Go on a “neighborhood cleanup,” taking a trash bag and collecting
litter from the sidewalks, streets or local park. Lent is a wonderful time to
experience family renewal as we prepare to celebrate the great fifty of Easter.
May God bless you and your family during this special season. |
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