This new time of social distancing has made it difficult to see practically anyone — we don't go out, we don't gather as we used to — but I fear it has made it uniquely hard to see the poor.

If this is true, it will influence our spirituality.

In the words of Fr. Pedro Arrupe, "In the end, Jesus did not teach an ascending mysticism of closed eyes, but rather a God-mysticism with an increased readiness for perceiving, a mysticism of open eyes, which sees more and not less." Each of us must examine our experience of quarantine and discern if we have been separated from the poor — and thus separated from Christ himself.

Make no mistake — it's in the most troubling times in history that God chooses to reveal himself and raise up great saints to witness to his mercy! Now it's up to each of us to ask:

• How will God reveal himself to me anew in the poor during this time?
• How will God reveal his presence and his mercy to the world through me?

Through my position in the Office of Christian Service, I have seen firsthand the radical compassion that many have shown to the least among us in this unprecedented time.

The Church has not stood down — we have numerous Christian service ministers, social service ministries, priests and parishioners who have continued manning their posts through the worst of this pandemic!

Unleash the Gospel calls all members of the Church to participate in the New Evangelization and "actively seek the spiritual and social renewal of [our] neighbourhoods, schools and places of work."

In times of intense crisis, we can be distracted by a need to save the whole world — and so it is important to remember that Jesus most often healed and transformed people one at a time. Therefore, it makes no difference if you feed your neighbour by delivering groceries to one doorstep or by running a food pantry if what you are doing is what Christ has called you to do!

Each of the corporal works is a visible and tangible act through which we reveal the presence and love of God the Father to the world:

• Feed the Hungry
• Give Drink to the Thirsty
• Shelter the Homeless
• Visit the Sick
• Visit the Prisoners
• Bury the Dead
• Give Alms to the Poor continue reading

Fasting should be a meaningful gesture of self-denial out of love for God. All the better if it helps us grow in self-control and deeper appreciation for various pleasures, conveniences and luxuries in our lives.

If you want to try something a little different this year, consider the following alternatives.

1) Screen time and digital devices

Most of us have some level of attachment to our gadgets and digital media, and Lent is the perfect time to fast from them. Perhaps it's no TV before bedtime, no random web surfing during the day, or no social media until Easter. You might consider going completely screens-free on weekends or using your smartphone for essential communication only.

2) Negative talk and criticism

It's a rare person who doesn't criticize others occasionally or engage in some form of negative talk — a light jab here, an unnecessary comment there. Fasting from this kind of speech is much easier said than done, but it's a powerful act of self-denial that can change you for the better.

3) Hot showers

There's nothing like a hot shower to get your morning started, but consider turning that temperature down and submitting yourself to lukewarm or cold showers instead. Another alternative is to set a timer and take short showers instead of leisurely ones. (Which of course will be easy the colder the water is!) In February and March, this can be an especially tough sacrifice. Then again, Jesus died on the cross for you. Just saying.

4) Non-essential shopping

Many people have a hard time saying no to the latest gadget, a fabulous new pair of shoes or little extras like gourmet coffees when they're out and about. Consider staying away from shops during Lent. You can take this a step further and give some of the money you save as alms — another pillar of Lenten practice. Continue reading

• Zoe Romanowsky is lifestyle editor and video content producer for Aleteia, the source of the article above.

So many of the rich images, words, and themes that will recur at the Easter Vigil are hinted in the day's readings and prayers — the anointing of David with oil, the enlightening of the man born blind in John, and the Letter to the Ephesians' call to "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light."

Like the paschal exsultet in the middle of the darkness of the Easter Vigil, Laetare Sunday is a bright little burst of light and joy in the midst of Lent.

And, not coincidentally, it coincides with these first uncertain, hesitant bursts of springtime found in European and North American climates at this time of year.

Here in Washington, D.C., where I live, we have had 70-degree days followed by snow in the past week, and very confused crocuses attempting to push their way towards the sun.

The name "Laetare Sunday" comes from the introit text -

"Laetare Jerusalem: et conventum facite omnes qui diligitis eam"

"Rejoice, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her" Continue reading.

Brian Flanagan, Ph.D. is Assistant Professor of Theology at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia.

Source: Daily Theology

Image: Marymount University

I really don't think Lent is about giving up or taking on more, as such; rather, it's about seeking God with more intensity of focus than we manage at other times.

To do that we need simplicity— and we have become such complicated creatures that simplicity is more and more alien to us.

That is why our lives need to take on a plainness they often lack.

Our food is simpler and less copious; our prayer is simpler, too, reverting to more ancient forms, especially as we enter Holy Week.

Our compassion — almsgiving — has, or should have, a wider spread; and all because we seek the Lord. Love is our motive, and Love himself our reward. Continue reading.

Sr Catherine Wybourne is a Benedictine nun of Benedictine nun from Holy Trinity Monastery, Howton Grove Priory, U.K.

Source: iBenedictines

Image: @DigitalNun

Or a faithful guide and friendly reminder to practice virtue, do good works and read Scripture?

Whatever you're searching for to help you draw closer to Jesus Christ these 40 days of Lent, there's an app to help you.

"It's a beautiful thing to have access to, and it expands our growth and understanding of the faith or an aspect of our spirituality that we need to develop," said Daughter of St Paul Sister Anne Flanagan, a social-media authority who is known as the "Nunblogger."

"An advantage of these technological tools that we have is that it reminds us that we're not [going through Lent] on our own as individuals," she added. Continue reading.

Source: National Catholic Register

Image: mashable.com