Lent With Pope Francis

“What should I give up for Lent?” Every year, we ask ourselves this question, and we struggle to feel like we chose the perfect thing. But did you know that Pope Francis has shared some advice in regards to the Lenten season? Learn how you can gain a fresh perspective on Lent. Focus on CreationFor Pope Francis’s annual Lenten message, he chose to focus on the environment. He calls us to live as children of God and obey His law, particularly when it comes to taking care of the Earth. The Pope reflected on a line from Paul’s letter to the Romans, stating that “when we live as children of God, we also benefit creation by cooperating in its redemption. That’s why Saint Paul says that creation eagerly longs for the revelation of the children of God.” TraditionsPope Francis looked at the traditional Lenten practices of fasting, praying, and almsgiving, and suggested that each of those has an ecological element. Fasting meaning learning to resist the urge to “devour” what we want for personal gain; prayer teaches us to “abandon idolatry and the self-sufficiency of our ego;” and almsgiving shows us the importance of becoming a joyful giver, and how to focus on God’s plan for us, the world, and creation.In PracticeSo how can we take this knowledge and implement it into Lent? Pope Francis shared that “sin leads man to consider himself the god of creation, to see himself as its absolute master and to use it, not for the purpose willed by the Creator but for his own interests, to the detriment of other creatures.” This Lenten season, let us focus on the joy of God’s plan, remove self-interest, and learn how we can take care of our brothers, sisters, and the Earth. Suggestions for Lent

• Consider where we have encouraged a poor use of nature. Commit to a plastic-free Lent, plant a bee-friendly garden, or set up a carpool for work.
• Research the companies that you purchase from and support, and learn which ones are socially responsible and eco-friendly. Find out who embraces fair trade, ethical business practices, sustainable energy, charitable giving, human rights, and transparency.
• Pope Francis also calls us to “leave behind our selfishness and self-absorption, and... stand beside our brothers and sisters in need, sharing our spiritual and material goods with them.” Throughout Lent, volunteer at local nonprofits, donate clothes and food to families in need, and support missionaries. Make an extra effort to reach out the widows in your church Parish, and ask if they would like you to bring them dinner, if they need a hand around the house, or if they just need someone to talk to.

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