At Lent, we enter the most profound season in the liturgical year of the church.
Lent is a period of spiritual renewal, a time set apart to draw closer to the Lord who calls us to conversion, repentance and deeper communion with him. In this season, the church calls us to faithfulness through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. As we prepare for Easter and the celebration of Our Lord’s Resurrection, these Lenten observances are intended to help us grow in sanctity during our daily lives.
Prayer is our direct conversation with God and is essential to sustaining our faith. In our diocese, where many of us rise early for school runs or professional obligations, making time for prayer can be challenging. Consider beginning your day with prayer as a family, entrusting your works, joys and sufferings to the Lord. Or, in the evening, consider gathering your family for a simple recitation of the rosary, meditating on the mysteries that reveal Mary’s unwavering trust in God’s plan. Prayer, like any good habit, transforms us for the better. Through prayer, we align our will with God’s will and find the strength necessary to endure the trials of this world. Also, this Lent consider allowing time for silence in prayer as you may hear the Lord’s voice.
The practice of fasting teaches us self-denial and detachment from worldly comforts, mirroring Christ’s own sacrifices. In our consumer-driven culture, where convenience and ease are so highly valued, fasting invites us to say “no” to excess so that we might say “yes” to God. Beyond obligatory abstinence and fasting on Fridays during Lent, consider personal disciplines tailored to your state in life.
A student might limit entertainment, redirecting that time toward athletics, study or service. A parent or grandparent might choose to fast above and beyond the requirements of the church, offering their sacrifices as a pleasing gift to God and for the good of their brothers and sisters in faith. Fasting might also include foregoing a favorite coffee run or refraining from gossip or grumbling. Even the attempt to fast, however successful or unsuccessful, can reveal our dependencies — on food, habits or even emotions — and foster interior freedom.
Almsgiving flows naturally from prayer and fasting, compelling us to extend God’s love to others through concrete acts of charity. In daily life, this might mean making or increasing our tithes and financial gifts or volunteering at a local food pantry, like those supported by diocesan Catholic Charities. For families, it could involve donating gently used items to our parish thrift shops. May we reflect upon the words of Jesus: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Mt 25:40) Through almsgiving, we participate in the redemptive work of Christ.
One newer Lenten practice that I encourage all to consider is to intentionally fast from technology in whatever ways might be possible. Our Diocesan Days of Unplugging this Lent will take place March 13-15, and this three-day period — where some may choose to fast for the entirety and others may choose to fast for a single day or part of a day — encourages all in our diocese to intentionally disconnect from screens and from consuming digital media such as social networks or streaming services. It is clear that excessive attachment to our devices can harm our spiritual lives, hinder authentic relationships and contribute to a culture of constant noise. Inspired by the Global Day of Unplugging, our diocesan effort frames this as a penitential practice akin to traditional fasting, revealing unhelpful dependencies and reclaiming space for prayer and connection.
I invite all the faithful of the Diocese of Arlington, as well as all people of goodwill, to join in these Diocesan Days of Unplugging. Whether you unplug for the entire weekend or select periods to disconnect that fit your circumstances — considering family, work or school obligations — this initiative offers a positive way to recharge your relationship with the Lord. Resources on our diocesan website provide ideas for offline pursuits: delve into Lectio Divina with Lenten readings, pray the Stations of the Cross, or volunteer with programs such as Catholic Charities St. Lucy Food Project.
After unplugging, consider reflecting with questions: “Did this time away feel like a gift or a struggle?” or “How can I adjust my habits moving forward?” By our participation and by God’s grace, we may grow as individuals and as a community through this Lenten practice.
Lent orients us toward the triumph of Easter. May we therefore embrace our Lenten practices with joy and serenity, knowing that our efforts and sacrifices, however imperfect, are known by God. May this season lead us to a deeper encounter with the Risen Christ, whose victory over sin and death provides the reason for our hope.
