As the year goes flying along, we find ourselves on the doorsteps of Lent, starting on February 14th. We recall that above all this is a time of more intense spiritual life. The main aspects are Prayer, Fasting, and Charity.

It is a special time to review and renew our prayer. This might mean spending more time in prayer, especially if we have let this vital practice slip a little. It might mean trying different forms of prayer or being more attentive to the same practices we have been using. Just multiplying words or spending more time do not in themselves guarantee growth in prayer.

Fasting can be good for one’s health. In a more spiritual vein, we discipline ourselves and strengthen our willpower by voluntary self-denial. We think of the many people in the world who go entire days with little or nothing to eat. We can forego some recreation or treat and give the money saved to the poor.

Charity begins at home. We can rededicate ourselves to living well our family relationships, maybe reconciling with someone or accepting a request for forgiveness. We reach out to others as we recognize that all of us are, in the end, equal in the sight of God. We have our differences, varied gifts, unique choices and experiences, but are all alike in dignity before the Lord. We affirm this truth by our care and love expressed in deeds of compassion.

These are the Keys of Lent. Here are the church regulations for fasting and abstinence during Lent:

• Everyone 14 years of age or older is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, all the Fridays of Lent and Good Friday.
• Everyone 18 or older, and under 59 years of age, is bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
• On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, only one full meatless meal is allowed. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted. When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige.
• Catholics should not lightly excuse themselves from these prescribed minimal penitential practices.

To start off right, on Ash Wednesday we have Mass at 8 am with distribution of ashes, Prayer Service at 12:10 pm with distribution of ashes, and Mass at 6:30 pm with distribution of ashes.

Well, here we go, another big step in our spiritual journey. May the Lord bless all our efforts!