Hi, Everyone.



Have you given anything up for Lent? Just asking........ for the first time in 17 years, we had no one telling us this is a time for EXTRA penitence, fasting, alms-giving and sacrifice.

(25-02-2009 12:49 PM)Anne Rodrigues Wrote:  Hi, Everyone.



Have you given anything up for Lent? Just asking........ for the first time in 17 years, we had no one telling us this is a time for EXTRA penitence, fasting, alms-giving and sacrifice.

Of course I've given something up! I'm just not sure what yet. But considering I've eaten nothing and only been at work today, I still have time to decide.

It's not only about giving up something - I think one can also do something extra - I suppose could be considered giving of your time.

I am with Anne. I heard one priest in CT told his congreagtion that he does not really do sacrifice but prefers to do something. I think that that is a copout. Sacrifice is as important as almsgiving - whether money or time or whatever. Both are necessary - just as reconciliation consists of 4 aspects: contrition, confession, absolution and reparation / penance. It doesn't sit with wider society in 2008 that has become used to not having to do without anything really, but I think that it is therefore an important sign of contradiction -however small. How we can we be leaven if we hold and practice the same values as society? (Ann G - this is not directed at you - I am using your point to make a broader point). But we can wrestle about it here on the forum? It is just my view. Cheers!

I found that sticking to the advice about meals during Lent - two small 'snacks' and one big meal each day (no eating in-between!) is really helpful.

It's made me see how much wasteful munching I do each day and I'm much, much more grateful each time I have a meal.

I gave up sweets for Lent - that's a biggie for me, believe me, but I'm not too sure on what type of prayer or penance routine (if any) to follow.

Note: I'm an 'elect' at this point in time - so treat this question as the newbie, gonna-be Catholic pondering that it is.

Philip, you'll find most seasoned Catholics know less about their faith than the newbies

Haha - thanks Colin.

It seems to be true - we were at the rite of the elect in Lansdowne a few weeks ago and I aksed a few seasoned Catholics what the 'INRI' on the crucifix stood for. I was met with blank stares and a lot of um-ming and ahh-ing.

I Googled it later and sorted that out, but I think I caught everybody by surprise.

I suppose it's the same as asking a seasoned driver what the exact steps to pass an alley dock manouvre are: You'll be met with the same blank stares. Yet, they manage perfectly everytime.