Means to conversion
While our Lenten duties can be summed up as “fast, pray, give alms”, these essential acts are entirely misdirected if viewed as ends in themselves. In Lent we give them an extra emphasis because they are means to conversion, which is what really matters.
We can safely say that without some experience of inner conversion, Lent would be more or less a wasted opportunity. If we reduce Lent to vegan diets and fitness classes, we’re secularising it in the same way that Christmas is secularised when reduced to gift-giving and overeating (while the externals here are directly opposed, the internal effect risks being the same — nothing). The bottom line is that Lent either brings us closer to God, or we’re wasting our time!
Sense of sin
In the Catholic context, ‘conversion’ (from the Latin converto ‘to turn around’) means a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. One of the unfortunate features of the contemporary world is the loss of the sense of sin. Sin makes people uncomfortable, because it implies their actions are wrong and need to change. As G.K. Chesterton said, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” But without a sense of sin, Lent makes no sense.
If we’re not convinced of our sinfulness and need for deep conversion, our Lenten practices could be similar to what are called the “vain observances” of the Pharisees in the Gospel (e.g. Mark 7:1-13). They observe many prescribed rituals in a purely external way, not believing they really need them (thinking themselves already holy and sinless). Ironically, the Pharisees’ observances actually do them more harm than good, only serving to puff them up further.
Get to Confession
So, how can we avoid a Pharisee mentality and have a healthy, but real understanding of our sinful state? The answer is Confession, Confession, Confession.
Jesus died so we could have it. A sacrament that would allow us a clean slate — if we own up to our sin, Jesus then owns our sin for us. If you haven’t been already today, a good Confession is a key first step to avoiding a secular Lent.
Three damaged relationships
If Confession doesn’t help us realise our need for conversion, little else likely will. In preparing to make a good Confession we will need to sit with ourselves, our sin, and be honest. Have we loved God? Have we loved our neighbour? Have we loved ourself rightly (not too much, not too little)?
Going back to our duties during Lent — fast, pray, give alms — we can see how this threefold practice aims to repair three damaged relationships: relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves.
Our relationship with God is damaged when He has fallen from the very first place in our lives, partially or completely. Prayer helps repair this.
Our relationship with others is damaged when we live an egotistical existence, focusing on ourselves without considering others, especially those closest to us. This we repair with almsgiving, understood broadly as looking after the needs of others.
And finally, our relationship with ourself often sustains damage when we are weak in dominating impulses, like our desire for food and drink, or now more commonly addictions to our phone or to sexual sin. Fasting is an effective way of putting this relationship back on its correct footing.
Treasure in the field
So, remember your trifold duty this Lent. But more than that, in practising your duty don’t forget to gaze upward (toward Heaven) and gaze inward (toward your heart). Check the intention of your deeds, however good they are externally, for the real, internal conversion they are meant to effect.
Transcend the secularity of Lent this year, transcend fad diets and shallow acts of charity. Search far and deep for opportunities for your internal conversion. And have a wonderful Lent.
Three Things for Lent
The Church invites us to do so much more than give up chocolate this Lent.
Lent for Men
If you’re a man and want to take Lent seriously, we cannot recommend Lent for Men more highly. It’s a 40-day spiritual exercise for men based on three pillars: prayer, asceticism and fraternity.
We’ll let the Exodus 90 team tell you more here.
Fiat 40 (for women)
Likewise, if you’re a woman and want to take Lent seriously, Fiat 40 is a great way to go. Fiat 40 takes a similar approach to Lent for Men, but is made by women for women.
Start your journey here.
Our Articles on Lent
Lent begins today! Here’s some recommended reading.
Why does God care if you give up chocolate?
Why didn't Jesus take the power?
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Katie Ascough
Founder, Called to More