Prayer - we got that one - we should already being praying a lot both inside our homes and outside (including public prayer at meals, at events, and for the world). Pray without ceasing. Okay, that's not too difficult, especially if you are already praying daily. But what if you aren't? Try saying grace at meals - "Bless us dear Lord and these thy gifts that we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen". Prayer doesn't have to be rote prayer - you can actually make something up. Talk to God like you are talking to a friend - He is your friend. Just say thank you for all of your blessings and go from there. He is always listening and He is waiting to hear from you!
So isn't fasting "old-fashion" and not relevant to our generation? Absolutely not. Fasting is a way to help us focus on what is important (feeding the poor, our right relationship with God, our family, our parish community, etc.), remind us of how very fortunate we are to have 3 square meals a day and a good (not usually contaminated) food source, and to help us join in solidarity with our less fortunate fellow human beings who do not have enough food or reliable food sources or safe drinking water. But how do you actually fast? Only eat 2 meals worth of food a day (I split breakfast and dinner as one meal; and eat a reason lunch) and don't snack. Remember to drink lots of water - that helps keep you full - AND eat balanced meals (protein, fruits, veggies, and carbs). So...we now have the fasting portion figured out.
Now comes the almsgiving...this means we donate money to those organizations that will help to feed the poorest of the poor, clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned, or provide other services to these people - our fellow humans, our brothers and sisters in Christ! It also means we should give our time and money to our parish, parish school, and local charities as well. Some suggestions for giving alms include using the CRS rice bowl program and making it a part of your Lenten season - put all your spare change in it, have your children put in a portion of their allowance or payments for doing special chores around the house. Be a good example to your children (and/or grandchildren). The amount isn't that important - just give as much as you can and then just a little bit more.
You can also give to other agencies (make sure they are who they say they are and that they give a large percentage of the money raised to the actual people that need it) of your choosing. If you give up something material (i.e., daily coffee, snacks, buying anything) for Lent, consider donating the money you are saving to a charity. These are just a few ideas to help you give alms to those who are much less fortunate than we are.
Another great idea for Lent, instead of giving up coffee or soda or the like, donate a bag of clothes, household supplies, towels, toys, food, etc., to a local charity (Salvation Army, Family Promise, food bank, or St. Vincent de Paul comes to mind). Do this every week during Lent and your house will be a lot less cluttered, your children will learn a valuable lesson in almsgiving, and some person in need will be clothed, fed, or helped in some way on their own Lenten journey to a better life.
This is the season to "give until it hurts" - we are taking a journey this Lenten season to a better relationship with our God - this is what we are commissioned to do - do this and you shall be rewarded 10x over!!
God bless one and all and have a wonderful Lenten season.
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