Father Mike Schmidt posted a great video on what to do for Lent.  Don’t pick arbitrary goals.  Choose those that we help you grow closer to Jesus.

I always preferred a couple of plus and minus goals during Lent.  If it was all penance, it can lead to a gloomy outlook.  If it was all addition, our faults can limit or even negate any benefits.

Plus: Accept things with joy.  Most of the time, I received (good and bad) tasks with a begrudging, steely-eyed attitude.  Jesus has told me in my prayer recently to accept them more joyfully.  A friend suggested starting daily with Psalm 118:24: “This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Negative: Reduce my possessions by half.   This desire has risen in my heart leading up to Lent.  A friend described how he had picked which things to keep before a move back home.  It was always amazing how much stuff has accumulated over the years.  I have horded stuff because I thought I might need it one day.  But I needed to live my vow of poverty more fully and to trust that my religious order will take care of my needs.

What are your goals for Lent?

God bless.