Lent is a time to prepare to let Jesus into our life before the Tridium begins with Holy Thursday. Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and lasts for about 40 days. During Lent we give alms, fast and pray.
Sacrifice is one of the key elements to making a good Lent. As we imitate Jesus' death on the cross for us by dying to our self, we receive Grace. Galatians 2:19-20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live no longer, but Christ lives in me insofar as I now live in the flesh; I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me."
Most people give something up during this time. For some it may be smoking, drinking, or bad food. Others may give up gossiping or gambling. Kids may give up video games or candy. But what we give up isn't as important as what we replace it with. For instance, when your gossiping, you could say something nice about that person instead. When you want to eat junk food, you could eat an apple or orange.
Even more importantly, these sacrifices should be replaced with GOD. They should be offered to Him and done for his Glory. And it does no good to God or humanity if you publicize it.
Matthew 6: 1 "Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father."
One thing that I will be doing for Lent is joining others to pray outside the Planned Parenthood building here to end abortion for the 40 Days for Life campaign. (see other post)
There are other ideas as well like, making a crown of thorns poster and replacing each thorn with a flower when you make a sacrifice. Praying the Stations of the Cross is also a great way to remember how He loved us.
May God bless you and may you have a wonderful Lent.
