101 Things To Give Up For Lent.
In the words of Pope Francis' Lenten message for 2024, 'Through the desert God leads us to freedom,' we are reminded of the profound journey Lent offers us. It's a time for introspection, prayer, and acts of charity, embraced by Christians worldwide.
During Lent, we're prompted to evaluate our prayer life, drawing closer to God through spiritual practices and self-examination. It's not just about 'giving something up,' but about deepening our relationship with the Divine. As we traverse this spiritual desert, we confront our weaknesses and strive for transformation, echoing the sentiments of Saint Paul: 'It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.'
This season beckons us to embrace a resolve to pray more fervently, to deny ourselves, and to practice charity authentically. Through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, Lent becomes a time of sanctification and renewal.
Fasting, prayer and almsgiving is at the heart of personal growth for Lent. Sometimes this can be monotonous or less challenging when doing the same so why not look at doing something different to look at deeper personal growth. If you don’t want to get stuck in a rut and look to challenge yourself with new Lenten inspiration and personal growth, why not visit the online magazine ‘America the Jesuit Review’ and their article on 101 Things To Give Up For Lent.
By embarking on this Lenten journey with intentionality, we rediscover our spiritual identity and find joy in our relationship with God. It's a pilgrimage that leads us from the wilderness of temptation to the profound sacrifice of Christ, culminating in Easter renewal.
So, dear believers in the Diocese of Cairns, let's heed Christ's call to follow Him more closely, shedding our old selves and embracing the transformative power of His grace. Let this Lenten journey shape our inner being, leading us to the freedom found in Christ.
