Lent is a journey. It begins on Ash Wednesday up to the Easter Triduum (i.e., Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil). Lent is also a time for spiritual growth. The faithful, imposed with ashes as a sign of repentance, begins a journey of inner conversion. During this time, the faithful seek to deepen their lives in Christ through the practice of prayer, fasting and works of charity.
Prayer: The purpose of prayer is not to bring God’s will down to our level so that we may get what we want. The purpose of prayer is to lift our will to God so that we may get what He wants for us. St. Thomas Aquinas said, “We do not pray to change the divine scheme, but to ask those things which God has decreed to be brought about in response to our prayers.”
Fasting: The Christian tradition uses fasting as a discipline in the spiritual life. Christian fasting gives up corporeal pleasure in order to gain spiritual benefits. St. Augustine said, “Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, and scatters the clouds of concupiscence.” Sometimes, Christians combine prayer with fasting for a cause; e.g., a Christian fasts for a peaceful resolution to an ongoing major conflict, or for the rights of the innocent and oppressed.
From The Shepherd of Hermas, 2nd century
The shepherd asked: “What are you doing here?”
He answered: “I am fasting, sir.”
The shepherd said: “You do not know how to fast. This fast is utterly useless and is not a fast at all. Let me teach you about true fasting, which is acceptable and pleasing to the Lord. If you fast simply by giving up food, or abstaining from certain foods, the Lord is completely indifferent to your efforts. The only fast which He wants is for you to abstain from all evil acts, to give up every form of evil desire, and let your heart become pure. So the person who once was malicious and schemed against others, but gives up all malice and scheming, is making a true fast. The person who once was jealous and wanted the possessions of others but gives up jealousy and is content with what the Lord provides is making a true fast. Come down from your high mountain and make your fast among people.”
Works of charity: Charity is a basic element of Christian life. Because of their love for God and neighbor, Christians come to the aid of those in spiritual and bodily need. Spiritual works of mercy include instructing, advising, consoling and comforting, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. Corporal works of mercy include feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to charity; it is also a work of justice pleasing to God.