Lent with a Cross

As our Lenten retreat comes to a close, we pause to reflect on our journey so far.  For me, this Lenten season was not the journey I originally planned or prayed for.  Reading through my previous blog posts here at Of Sound Mind and Spirit about preparing our hearts for the risen Lord and humbling ourselves before God, I am left feeling I missed the opportunity to strive for holiness this liturgical season. There were opportunities for holiness – prayers, fasts and alms – that I longed to complete.  For a moment, I am sad for the Lent that could or should have been this year.

Shortly before Lent began, we became aware of a health issue surrounding one of my children. Addressing my daughter’s recovery required a tremendous amount of energy and attention, and my planned Lenten schedule went out the window.  

However, reflecting over the last month or so, the timing of my daughter’s health issue seems providential. I am amazed at the blessings God has bestowed on my family through Lent and this illness.  Looking back at how my husband and I struggled with frustration and feelings of inadequacies as parents to help our child, I realize,  "Is there a better way to be humbled before the Lord than to be face to face with something regarding your child that you cannot control?"  God provided us an opportunity for a different journey this Lent as a family.  

We all have various crosses to bear during the course of our lives and we don’t choose if or when we pick them up.   I recognize that this cross, coinciding with the Lenten season, brought us closer to Christ. Each struggle is an opportunity to turn to God and strive for holiness. Once again He reminds me in His own way that the true intention of Lent is not for me to cross-off items on my self-created Lenten to-do list, but to humble myself so I may grow closer to the Lord.  By turning to him in prayer and the comfort of the Mass, each of our struggles leads us to the Risen Lord on Easter morning where we can sing "Alleluia, Alleluia!"

Mary's "Yes" to God

On today, the Feast of the Annunciation, we remember Mary's absolute "Yes" to God.  When the angel Gabriel spoke to her of God's will, she did not hide, ask questions, or even hesitate.  Mary simply said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38

Every day we are called to say "Yes" to God as Mary did and place ourselves into His loving hands.  We look to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a role model for abandoning ourselves to God's will. When we put ourselves in her place, could we do what she did with such holy confidence?  

The Annunciation by Philippe de Champaigne

"Blessed Mary, Mother of God, intercede for me with your Son.  I long to say Yes but I am afraid of what that means.  Guide me with your mother's hand so that I may know that all will be well." - 3 Minute Retreat from Loyola Press 

Giveaway of New Lenten Books

Since Lent is one of my favorite seasons of the Liturgical Calendar, I have three new Lenten books for families to recommend and GIVEAWAY! 

Welcome Risen Jesus – Lent and Easter Reflections for Families

Sarah Reinhard provides families with an aid in preparing our hearts for Easter.  In “Welcome Risen Jesus – Lent and Easter Reflections for Families,” Sarah gives an exercise for each day of Lent that keeps our focus on the 3 pillars – prayer, fasting and almsgiving during this long season.  As she explains – “spending forty days… in penitential mode is challenging,” and hopes this book will keep us engaged so we deepen our faith life as a family during the long Lenten season.

Each day through Lent and into the first week of Easter, we are given a “Think, Act, Fast and Pray” action with direction. The actions are simple yet meaningful when placed with a reflection and prayer for the day.

For example, on Tuesday, the first week of Lent, the Act: Recognize someone who has put God first with his very life by writing a thank-you letter or making a thank you card for a priest in your life.  Fast: Give up playtime to do at least two helpful chores around the house.  Pray: Jesus, show me how I can serve you better and make you number one in my life.  

Welcome Risen Jesus shows children and families how they can put Lent into action in their day-to-day lives in a applicable, engaging and age appropriate way for young children.  This extremely helpful Lenten resource will help make Lent more meaningful for the whole family as you approach and enter the Easter season.

Do I Really Have to Give Something Up for Lent?

Do you have tweens through teens ask you, “Do I Really Have to Give Something Up for Lent?”  Sarah Reinhard wrote an adorable little booklet perfect for answering that and other questions your child asks about Lent.  This mini-book breaks down the pertinent points and explains the Lenten season in ordinary, easy to understand language while including scripture references for authority. 

In “Do I Really Have to Give Something Up for Lent?” the explanations of the purpose of Lent, examples of sacrifices and suggestions of Lenten opportunities are thoughtful and targeted at older elementary age kids and up through teens or young adults.  This mini booklet really packs a punch in its 24 small pages.  It is the perfect size for even the reluctant preteen reader.

Sarah has done such an excellent job at explaining Lent to adolescents and children that I recommend buying one for every child in your life.  And you might be surprised by reading it yourself and enjoying it, as I did.

Bringing Lent Home with Mother Teresa: Prayers, Reflections, and Activities for Families

The words of Mother Teresa are powerful.  They reflect her deep faith, un-abiding service and complete sacrifice for others.  Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle in her newest book “Bringing Lent Home with Mother Teresa – Prayers, Reflections, and Activities for Families” couples the words, prayers and actions of Mother Teresa into a Lenten retreat for the whole family. 

Every day, the quote, reflection, prayer, story and action present a powerful message that can only lead you closer to God.  Going through each day, you take on Mother Teresa’s mantle of doing small things with great love.  For example, on the Thursday of the Second Week of Lent: Fasting: Suggest to the children that they fast today from unkind thoughts about others and from saying unkind things.  Almsgiving: Ask the children to think about a gift they can give to the Blessed Mother today – a prayer, a gesture, an act of kindness, a sacrifice.

I cannot imagine it possible to go through Lent praying with this book and remain the same person on Easter morning.  Spending time with Mother Teresa humbles you before God and surrounds you in His love.  I predict living Mother Teresa’s words during Lent will change your life. 

Donna, through the relationship she developed with Mother Teresa over 10 years, relates the words and stories of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta to our Lenten journey in a wonderful, personal way.  Praying with this book during this 40-day retreat will bring you closer to the life of this Saint and deepen your faith life.

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Because these books are brand new and excellent Lenten resources we have several copies to giveaway!!  It is never too late to begin a new book retreat for the season and each of these books can be utilized year after year during Lent.  We are giving away:

FOUR copies of the book, Welcome Risen Jesus: Lent and Easter Reflections for Families

FOUR copies of the booklet, Do I Really Have To Give Something Up for Lent?

ONE copy of the book, Bringing Lent Home with Mother Teresa: Prayers, Reflections, and Activities for Families. 

Next Wednesday, March 14^th, I’ll use a random generator to select five different winners.  Four will receive a copy of each book by Sarah Reinhard and one will receive Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle’s Lenten book.  You can enter by:

• Commenting on this post telling us how your family observes Lent together.
• Twitter -  Link to this giveaway post and tag @SoundMindSpirit. Please use #CathMedia.
• Facebook – Link to this post and tag Of Sound Mind and Spirit