Daily Mass, Reconciliation, the Jubilee Prayer, the Hallow App, and many more opportunities for Grace in the Season of Lent

“Jesus said to His disciples, … When you fast, … When you give alms, … When you pray … And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.” 

Mt. 6:1–6, 16–18

Each year on Ash Wednesday, at Mass or a Prayer Service, as we begin the Season of Lent, we hear the Gospel quoted above, Matthew 6: 1–6, 16–18, and Jesus speaks to us, His disciples, about fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. As Jesus speaks to us of those spiritual practices, we should “listen very closely” because He is telling us not only “what” we should do but “how” (and why) we should do it. He warns us that if we are only performing these spiritual practices so that “others may see them” or “to win the praise of others,” we will receive no spiritual (true or valuable) benefit. He is teaching us that the “how” and the “why” are much more important than the “what.” Therefore, when we think of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer, “What will I give up for Lent?”, we need to consider why we are making those sacrifices and commitments and how they may help us to be “closer to God,” to more fully love God and our neighbor.